This afternoon, we received an email from Oz Kafe‘s chef Jamie Stunt, the wonderkid who won silver at this year’s Canadian Culinary Championship in Kelowna. We’ve been watching his unique career unfold since we named him one of the city’s up-and-comers in 2007. Since then, the no longer anonymous Jamie Stunt has become one of the best known, most respected and universally adored chefs in town.

Here is the note he sent around this afternoon announcing his departure from Oz Kafe. We can’t wait to see where he turns up next — fingers crossed it will be in Ottawa!

“It is with a heavy heart that I must announce that I have decided to leave my position as chef at Oz Kafe at the beginning of July.

It has been an amazing seven and half years watching the restaurant grow and I am certain that it will continue to thrive once I am gone. I feel extremely lucky to have found such a wonderful place to work and in Ozlem Balpinar, such a supportive and awesome person to work for. 

The very able and talented Simon Bell will be taking over as chef and I look forward to frequently coming to Oz as a customer to eat his food and enjoy the restaurant as a guest. 

As for myself, I will be taking the summer off to recharge my battery and spend time with family and friends. I also plan to do some travelling as well as some apprenticeships to expand my skill set and better myself as a cook.

It’s been a truly amazing time working at a truly amazing restaurant and I would like to thank everyone I have had the pleasure to work with, the awesome clientele, the suppliers who brought such great products and the countless chefs who have graced our little kitchen in collaboration[ so much talent in this city!]. 

Thank you Oz and thank you Ottawa.”