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Alex Bielak on Muck Rack

Alex Bielak

Verified
(He/Him)
Ontario, Waterloo
As seen in: Waterloo Region Record, GuelphMercury.com, Cambridge Times, WaterlooChronicle.ca, NewHamburgIndependent.ca
Covers:  Mostly food, restaurant reviews, chefs, techniques & trends, local, kitchen equipment and gadgets, BBQ, travel, drink and - far less frequently - salmon fishing, environment & other stories/profiles.
Food writer, Blogger. linkedin.com/in/alexbielak +muckrack.com/alex-bielak: serving up the freshest content on Waterloo's food scene, telling things as they are

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Alex Bielak’s Biography

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With hundreds of features, restaurant reviews, columns etc. in the last few years, Alex is a knowledgeable and influential food writer/blogger based in Waterloo, ON. He has interviewed leading chefs including Davy Tissot, Susur Lee, Jason Bangerter, John Placko, Camilla Wynne, Michael Smith, Zane Kaplansky, Matt Kershaw, and Jonathan Gushue.

The longest-serving restaurant reviewer for the Waterloo Region Record (2015-2023), he has authored various pieces as a Contributing Writer and Photograph…

Alex Bielak’s Journalist Portfolio

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Review | Langdon Hall cookbook a stunning visual feast

Review | Langdon Hall cookbook a stunning visual feast

CAMBRIDGE - Just back from California, Executive Chef Jason Bangerter looks as fresh as one of the lush green…

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Dining: Crêpes are not meant to be rushed at Café du Monde

Dining: Crêpes are not meant to be rushed at Café du Monde

Much is impressive about Café du Monde Crêperie in Cambridge. It's not just the obvious, either. Beyond fresh…

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Dining: The Rich Uncle Tavern can be counted on for consistency with a modicum of flair

Dining: The Rich Uncle Tavern can be counted on for consistency with a modicum of flair

You can't always get the burger you want but, like the song says, if you try, you'll get what you need, write…

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Maître d's are an evolving breed

Maître d's are an evolving breed

A special feature piece about the evolving role of the 'Maître d'hôtel' - through the lens of three of the ta…

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Sharing with the Angels

Sharing with the Angels

A story in FOOD & WINE: Magazine for Members of the International Wine and Food Society Europe Africa. It tak…

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Introducing Salmon Fishing to Civilization

Introducing Salmon Fishing to Civilization

This is an homage to Bob Newhart's great skit, "Introducing Tobacco to Civilization." It is illustrated with …

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Articles

Waterloo restaurant owner’s philosophy: See, feel, smell, taste. Repeat

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By Alex Bielak Verified
| Waterloo Region Record Verified
Jin Chen likes to “stand in the shoes of a customer” when designing a restaurant. She wants eye-catching signage to draw in business. As they enter, what do customers see and feel? Is the space inviting, the music right, are servers smiling, and is the atmosphere fun? In short, is this the place to be?
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Taste of place drives sous chef's passion project

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By Alex Bielak Verified
| Waterloo Region Record Verified
Daniel Angus is clearly in his happy place as he jiggles crusty sourdough loaves soon to emerge from a 500-degree oven. Checking their doneness, he thoughtfully answers questions about his personal ethos, and baking and Viennoiserie, a subclass of pastry exemplified by croissants. Passion for his craft shines, whether in person or via his social media.
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Taste of place drives sous chef’s passion project

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By Alex Bielak Verified
| Cambridge Times Verified
Daniel Angus is clearly in his happy place as he jiggles crusty sourdough loaves soon to emerge from a 500-degree oven. Checking their doneness, he thoughtfully answers questions about his personal ethos, and baking and Viennoiserie, a subclass of pastry exemplified by croissants. Passion for his craft shines, whether in person or via his social media.
Open in Who Shared View Duplicates (3) Issue with article?
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Interview

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Have you ever used a typewriter?

Oh yes. Where do you think I learned to touch type.

Why did you become a journalist?

I wanted to find a way to combine my passion for food with my communication skills.

What's your favorite drink?

I'm now in search of non-alcoholic options, but I loved a well-made and presented Dark and Stormy.

Awards

The Ted Williams - Miramichi Salmon Association Award for Journalistic Excellence

1995 - Conservation

The Ted Williams – Miramichi Salmon Association award was a major conservation journalism award by a Canada/US conservation organization: Presented for “journalistic excellence and support of the Atlantic Salmon” it recognised Alex’s writing in various media about Atlantic Salmon conservation generally, as well as a series of articles about scientific research related to catch and release fishing.