Today, chefs are known to have big personalities and even bigger voices. Pizzeria Prima Strada Bridge Street chef Alex How is atypical – seen but rarely heard. Soft spoken & shy, few might recognize Alex as the talented chef responsible for our Italian Long Table Dinner menus. (Menus that have prompted wedding proposals! He was happily betrothed at the time but extremely flattered.) When you have the opportunity to squeeze some stories out of the modest chef, it becomes obvious why he’s in charge of the kitchen at PPS Bridge Street. His passion and experience runs deep.
Like many small-town Canadians, Alex left home at his first opportunity. Heading west from Ontario, he hitchhiked across Canada. After stints of tree planting, US and European travels, Alex settled into life on Vancouver Island. He completed his Red Seal Certification at Malaspina University (now Vancouver Island University). Alex can claim experience at some of Victoria’s best and well known artisan restaurants, including Cafe Brio. He explored and expanded his passion for butchery and cured meats while working with Luc & Paige at Choux Choux Charcuterie before arriving joining the PPS team. The hard working chef recently returned to his travelling roots for his honeymoon. Alex and Valerie (his biggest fan) hit the road to Ontario with many stops along the way.
Wearing his trademark green hat, you will find Chef Alex quietly commanding the kitchen at PPS Bridge. On your next visit, I highly recommend you sit at the bar and start up a conversation. The best way to get him chatting? Ask him about the local music scene – Alex is extremely passionate about music and won’t hesitate to give you his honest opinion
Q. How long have you been with Prima Strada?
A. 3 Years
Q. Where can we usually find you – PPS Bridge or PPS Cook?
A. PPS Bridge
Q. Where is your hometown?
A. Bobcaygeon, ON. Grew up on a road with no name.
Q. What’s your favorite restaurant/food item in your home town?
A. The ONLY cafe in Peterborough, ON.
Q. What’s your favorite pizza?
A. Romana
Q. What’s your ultimate comfort food?
A. Cheese & crackers
Q. Current favorite wine/beer or drink?
A. Driftwood Ale
Q. What is the theme song to your life right now?
A. “The Dream” by Thee Oh Sees
Q. If you could go to one place for a week all expenses paid, where would you go?
A. Barcelona
Q. Best part of being with Prima Strada?
A. The PPS Team
Great to read about you Alex. So happy for you and Valerie, congrats. I could pick your smile out of a crowd anywhere. It’s been a long, long time since seeing you at the cottage. Lots of good memories.