Chef Jen
Hey there! My name is Jennifer Carnahan, but you can call me Jen.
I was born and raised in the beautiful and picturesque Miramichi, New Brunswick. My father, a retired police officer of 37 years, and my mother, our awesome personal chef, accountant and after school teacher, raised us three girls. In our house, food and supper time was a family ordeal. Cooking has been a huge part of my life. My mom, always being in the kitchen, either whipping up some sweets, or making our favorite meal, we didn’t go hungry. We grew up on simple and affordable meals, to the point where I had to adjust my seasonings to be up to standards for the culinary world.
Throughout school, I was always the one bringing in the baked goods, and no, it wasn’t to bribe the teachers. I always had a fondness of people enjoying the food I created, watching their faces as they enjoyed every bite. I dabbled in drama and art, but when I won my culinary scholarship in a grade 12 cooking competition, I just knew cooking was in my future.
After graduating high school in 2009, I went straight to gorgeous NBCC St. Andrews By The Sea. No prior kitchen experience (other than burning my fingers at home) and no idea what I was doing, I did my best. I was fortunate enough to take part in an exchange program and studied a variety of culinary cultures in the amazing Monterrey, Mexico in my second term.
After graduating from the Culinary Arts: Tourism and Hospitality, I went back home and got my culinary career started by working for Rodd Hotels and Resorts, where I worked hard to earn my Red Seal in 2016.
In 2018, I decided it was time for a change, so I moved to the amazing Prince Edward Island. Packed up my beloved kitty, and started working at the Rodd Crowbush as a Sous Chef, under the brilliant Jesse MacDonald. After 10 great years of growing and learning with the Rodd Hotels, it was time for a new adventure.
Welcoming my new adventure, I am excited to be working with JJ and Julie here at The Fiddling Fisherman Lookout. Come by and try out some creations that we will be pumping out, and hey, if you see me out and about, I am always good for a food chat, animal chat or even to just say hello and tell me how good the food was!
Cheers,
Chef Jen