ZenKitchen opened its doors in 2009 and became one of the most popular fine dining and unique restaurants in the city. During my time there as chef and co-owner, we garnered critical acclaim for its concept and food, including:
- 2010 Silver Medal, Gold Medal Plates, Ottawa. The Gold Medal Plates is a Canadian culinary championship with the best chefs in key cities invited to participate. I was the first woman chef and first vegan chef ever asked to the competition in the city.
- “Meet a Gold Medal Plate Chef: Chef Caroline Ishii of ZenKitchen”, FoodiePrints, September 28, 2010
- Best New Restaurant of the Year, Ottawa, The Ontario Restaurant Hotel & Motel Association (ORHMA)
- Canada Lonely Planet Guide Book, ZenKitchen named one of the best restaurants in Ontario, with a one-page feature article on the day in my life in the city.
In January 2013, I left the restaurant as chef and co-owner, handing over the business to my former business and life partner. The restaurant closed on October 27, 2014.
