Patrick Kriss — Chef

Born and raised in Scarbourough, 35-year-old Patrick Kriss has fond memories of his introduction to the food. As a child, Kriss baked pies and helped make breakfast with his grandmother at their summer cottage. He went on train at George Brown’s culinary arts program and began his career at Toronto’s renowned Auberge du Pommier. A move to New York City saw Kriss work under French chef Daniel Boulud at his eponymous, Michelin-rated Daniel restaurant for three years. When Daniel closed for renovations, Kriss left for France to work at Régis Marcon and La Maison Troisgros. In 2010, he returned to Toronto to work at Splendido, where he worked for nearly two years. He most recently received praise for his talent at Toronto’s highly acclaimed Acadia restaurant. Building on the success of his experience, Kriss is teaming up with general manager Amanda Bradley to make his culinary mark.

Matthew Betsch — Sous Chef

Native of Toronto, Matthew was introduced to the culinary world at the age of sixteen through a high school co-op at Lambton Golf and Country Club. From here he completed his two year apprenticeship at Senses in the Soho Metropolitan Hotel, getting his first taste of French Cuisine. In 2010 Matthew moved on to work under Executive Chef Victor Barry at Splendido. Through two years working at the Harbord street landmark, Matthew gained invaluable experience preparing elaborate tasting menus focused on seasonal ingredients. Learning directly from Chef de Cuisine Patrick Kriss, Matthew quickly rose through the ranks, finishing his time at Splendido as Sous Chef. Leaving Toronto, Matthew moved abroad to work at the Three Michelin Starred Eleven Madison Park in Manhattan. In 2014 Travelling through France, Matthew spent months training at Boulangerie Landemaine in Paris as well as short stints with Chefs such as Michel Bras, Bertrand Grebault and David Toutain. Returning to home soil in 2015 only to be reunited with Chef Patrick Kriss to lead the Brigade at Alo, which will create amazing things.

Nick Bentley — Sous Chef

Growing up just north of Toronto, Nick started cooking as a part time job. It was these jobs that gave him the drive to pursue cooking professionally. Naturally the 2-yr Culinary Management Program at Georgian College was the next step. After graduating from Georgian, Bentley moved to Toronto to work for Oliver & Bonacini. Working as Junior Sous Chef at Canoe Restaurant, Nick was guided and educated by highly respected Chef Anthony Walsh and Chef du Cuisine John Horne.

Looking to gain different experience Nick worked through various stations at Splendido Restaurant under Chef Victor Barry and Acadia Restaurant under Chef Patrick Kriss. It was at Acadia that Chef Kriss became Sous Chef Bentley’s most influential mentors in cooking. The Focus was placed on cooking technically challenging and refined foods.

After the closing of Acadia, Nick took on the position of Senior Sous Chef for David Lee. It was this position that gave Nick the skill set to properly manage and operate a kitchen from a business standpoint. It was in 2014 that Chef Patrick Kriss invited Nick to be a part of his team at Alo, Nicks skill set will help to manage a brigade that will promote success.

John Bunner — Bar Manager

John caught the bug for classic cocktails while he was a PhD student at the University of Toronto. In addition to lecturing and researching, he began to cater cocktails for parties and various small events. When presented with the chance to train at the Toronto Temperance Society under Oliver Stern and Robin Kaufman, Bunner didn’t think twice. Fitting right in, he was offered a position on the bar. Stepping back from TTS to lead the bar at Yours Truly, was John's next move. At Yours Truly he learned a great deal about modern cuisine and the business of bar management. After Yours Truly’s closing, he returned to TTS and joined the bar management team at Byblos Restaurant. Of these experiences, the two aspects that John has taken the most satisfaction from are the elegance of drink service at TTS and the passionate ambition of the kitchen at Yours Truly. John eagerly looks forward to the combination of both aspects at Alo.

Kevin Jeung — Pastry Chef

Born and raised in North York, Kevin’s career began as a 16 year-old dishwasher at a Milestone’s Grill and Bar. Upon graduating high school, and following a short and incomplete stint as an English Major at University of Toronto, Kevin moved to New York where he attended the French Culinary Institute and earned a diploma in Classic Culinary Arts. While living in Manhattan, Kevin interned at Gramercy Tavern under Chef Michael Anthony as well as at Per Se, under the supervision of Jonathan Benno. Upon returning to Toronto post-grad, Kevin quickly moved into the kitchen at Splendido as a garde manger cook under the tutelage of Victor Barry. Over the next 2 years, Kevin advanced to the position of Pastry Chef as well as Saucier and worked alongside Patrick Kriss, Matthew Betsch and Nick Bentley. In 2012, Kevin moved to San Sebastian, Spain to begin an internship at Mugaritz. Over the course of a year he was designated Pastry Chef de Partie as well as a member of the Mugaritz test kitchen brigade. Kevin returned to Toronto for just under a year before departing again for Copenhagen where he spent 8 months in the kitchens of Noma, Studio, Amass and Almanak before an email from Patrick Kriss regarding a restaurant called “Alo” brought him home once more.