Caroline Ishii
About Caroline
Caroline Ruriko Ishii is a writer, speaker, and chef whose work explores identity, belonging, connection, and good food.
A third-generation Japanese Canadian born in Toronto, she was drawn to uncover her family’s untold story of internment during the Second World War and how that history continues to shape her life.
She is the former executive chef and founder of ZenKitchen, Canada’s first fine-dining vegan restaurant, and was featured in The Restaurant Adventures of Caroline and Dave, which aired on W Network, OWN, and the Asia Food Channel. Her culinary achievements include ZenKitchen being named Best New Restaurant of the Year and winning two Silver Medals at the Canadian Culinary Olympics.
Caroline is a columnist for Nikkei Voice, the Japanese Canadian national newspaper, and the author of The Accidental Chef, Canadian Vegan Recipes (published in Japan), and Rendezvous.
She holds an Executive MBA from the University of Ottawa and trained as a chef at the Natural Gourmet Institute in New York City. A lifelong learner with a curious spirit, she is also a longtime mindfulness practitioner and hatha yoga teacher, bringing a holistic approach to her life and work.
These days, you’ll find her writing in cozy cafés, practicing yoga, wandering the woods with her rescue dog Bounty, or gathered around a table with friends, sharing stories and something delicious.
Meet Bounty
I’m Bounty. Texas-born, a train-track survivor turned poolside model (yes, that baby pool photo got me adopted!). I crossed the border at Niagara Falls, with the help of Rebel Dog Rescue, and ran straight into Caroline’s arms and my forever home.
I’m adorable (I hear it constantly), a professional goofball, expert hug-giver, and certified taste tester, especially for dog biscuits. I hike, I swim, and I nap in the sun. Mostly, I love hard, all humans and dogs.
I got rescued and Caroline says I rescued her. She kept my name, saying Bounty came into her life.
