Greg Balingit
Co Owner / Chef
Passionate hospitality lifer sharing my globally inspired recipe book
Chef Greg, a native of Toronto, comes from a family that is built around the dinner table. It is a time to unwind, laugh and indulge with great food so it comes as no surprise that he decided to become a chef at the young age of 16. Chef Greg’s lifelong love affair with food began at an early age. Growing up in Toronto he was exposed to different cuisines from around the world. His future was clear at the age of 16 years old when he started following famous Canadian chefs and was attracted to the various cultures in the city.
Classically trained at Humber College, Greg honed his craft at restaurants all over his hometown in places like The Hilton Toronto, Il Fornello, Scaddabush, Strada and best known for his venture as the executive chef of historic Halifax icon, The Five Fishermen. It was while studying under various chefs, that Chef Greg developed his personal culinary philosophy focusing on freshness, creativity, and the reinterpretation of classic ideas. A truly diverse background similar to his upbringing. His main vision is to offer fresh, modern, globally inspired dishes using the best ingredients and local agriculture from around Nova Scotia. With years of experience in a number of styles and cuisines, expect to see a lot from this Chef as he brings a wealth of knowledge, passion, and flare to the kitchen.
For me, cooking is…
A way to connect people and a way to share my culture and the culture of those I’ve been lucky enough to learn from over the years.
I learned to cook at…
Classically trained at Humber college. Learned a lot in my 20 plus years of restaurant experience at various restaurants. And still learning!
A role model in the kitchen is…
Without a doubt Anthony Bourdain. The original culinary badass! I picked up my first copy of kitchen confidential in 2001 and never looked back.
a cooking secret…
Keeping every dish balanced but contrasting in flavor and texture. Keep the mood light, have fun and let the ingredients speak for themselves.
Paola Villena
Paola Villena is the co-founder and creative heartbeat of Cutting Edge, a culinary brand built on passion, artistry, and a dedication to crafting unforgettable experiences in Nova Scotia. As the visionary behind the brand’s storytelling, aesthetics, and client journey, Paola shapes every touchpoint from concept development to guest experience and brand identity.
Driven by a love for culture, connection, and beautifully curated moments, Paola brings an approachable perspective to the world of private dining. She blends creativity with intention, ensuring that every event feels personal, elevated, and deeply memorable. Her ability to transform ideas into immersive experiences has helped position Cutting Edge as more than a catering service, but a modern lifestyle brand rooted in flavour, emotion, and authenticity.
Paola’s work is characterized by her warm presence, her commitment to excellence, and her natural talent for elevating the smallest details into something extraordinary. Under her direction, Cutting Edge continues to grow as a leader in sophisticated, culturally inspired culinary experiences where every dish, every interaction, and every moment is crafted with purpose and heart.
CO OWNER & CREATIVE HEARTBEAT of Cutting Edge Private Chef & Catering
