Dishin’ on Taste Chefs: Meet Chef Erin Walker of Downtown Bistro 

A Culinary Career Built on Curiosity 

For Chef Erin Walker, cooking has always been about learning, curiosity, and never standing still. At Downtown Bistro, that mindset comes through in every dish. Her food is thoughtful, layered, and made to be remembered. 

Chef Erin’s journey began with a desire to truly understand the art of cooking, which led her to culinary school. From there, every role, every kitchen, and every person she worked alongside became a lesson. Over time, she has gathered inspiration from all angles: fruits, vegetables, meats, fish, wines, and spirits. Those elements come together to create food that people genuinely love. 

Where Creativity Meets the Plate 

When it comes to the dish that best represents her style, Chef Erin points to crepes. Versatile and endlessly creative, they give her the freedom to experiment with ingredients and flavour combinations. Sweet or savoury, classic or unexpected, crepes offer the perfect canvas for a chef who thrives on exploration and creativity. 

Cooking Local, Thinking Seasonal

Right now, inspiration starts close to home. Locally sourced ingredients are most important to Chef Erin, especially Ontario-grown produce from greenhouses and root vegetables that are available throughout the winter months. 

Baking, which is her true passion, is where she dives even deeper. She keeps a close eye on dessert trends and adds her own twist, creating rich, deep flavours that feel both comforting and exciting. 

The Lesson That Changed Everything: Ask Questions 

One of the most important lessons Chef Erin has learned throughout her career is simple but powerful: ask questions and never assume. Every day in the kitchen brings an opportunity to learn something new, especially when exploring unexpected flavour combinations. 

A perfect example is her pecan chicken with maple jalapeño sauce. Originally created for a Taste of Burlington menu, the dish quickly became a guest favourite and is now one of Downtown Bistro’s top-selling dinner items. It is proof that curiosity can lead to something truly special. 

A Signature Dessert Worth Saving Room For 

If you are visiting Downtown Bistro for the first time, Chef Erin knows exactly what to try. Her signature carrot cake is a must. Baking is her passion, and this dessert showcases it beautifully. With layers of flavour and her own unique spin, it is a dish that keeps guests coming back for just one more bite. 

A Taste of What’s to Come 

As part of Taste of Burlington, Chef Erin Walker brings her love of learning, local ingredients, and creative baking to the table. Diners are invited to experience dishes shaped by curiosity, confidence, and care. 

Whether you are drawn in by a savoury entrée or staying for dessert, Downtown Bistro is serving up flavours worth discovering, one thoughtful plate at a time. 

Savour a bite of everything and be sure to add Downtown Bistro to your Taste of Burlington list this year.