New chef takes helm at Emo Inn

Aaron Bisson has made few changes since taking ownership of the Emo Inn in the middle of the summer, but two weeks ago he welcomed a new member to his staff.
Chef Ryan Parisien comes highly-recommended by people from across the district.
This fall, Parisien operated his own business, Parisien Food Services, and was responsible for preparing the wonderful meal at the first-annual Rainy River District Harvest Dinner, which was held at the Kitchen Creek golf course.
Parisien did not follow the usual path to his career as a chef. He didn’t spend hours studying at a prestigious school for cooking nor did he attend a community college for the culinary arts.
Instead, he purchased the books that usually are recommended at these institutions and started to read.
“I’m a self-taught chef,” he said with a smile.
Parisien spent a great deal of time studying on his own, travelling, and experimenting with various recipes. When he felt he had acquired enough knowledge and skill, he returned to Vancouver, challenged the chef’s exam, and became a certified chef.
Parisien brings to the Emo Inn a love of cooking. He hasn’t joined the team to shake things up—and doesn’t think it’s necessary to make any major changes to the menu.
“I don’t plan on reinventing the wheel,” he pledged. He thinks the inn produces a decent product and simply will add his own flair to the preparation of each meal.
His strength, he feels, is that everything he makes is from scratch.
“I make all my own soups and sauces,” he noted. “Everything is from scratch. That’s the way I like to work.”
Parisien joins Jane Tetreault, the kitchen manager, in planning the buffets and the weekend specials the Emo Inn offers.
A superb prime rib supper is the special every Saturday night. Other specials are being planned for celebrations such as Mother’s Day.
Bisson, meanwhile, has appreciated the support of the community since taking over ownership of the Emo Inn and is pleased with the steady stream of customers to the restaurant.
But both Bisson and Parisien would like to increase the number of banquets the inn is capable of offering the district.
“I love doing banquets,” Parisien grinned. “It really is my specialty.”
Parisien also said his days of exploring the country have come to an end. He likes Rainy River District and plans on putting down some roots in the area.
Since he is a certified chef, he also is open to the idea of supervising the apprenticeship of a young up-and-coming chef. If anyone is thinking of a career as a chef, feel free to contact Parisien at the Emo Inn.
In the meantime, don’t forget to book a table for a special occasion or just a good meal out.
As they say in Emo, “It’s worth the drive!”