Wall of Bakers FEATURES DAVID ROUSSEAU BY ADRIANNE LOVRIC
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avid Rousseau’s path to the world of pastry has been an unconventional one. Originally from Brittany, a region in northwest France known for its medieval walls, Rousseau roamed the globe working in adventure travel before establishing both himself and his patisserie, Ollia Macarons & Tea, nearly eight years ago in Calgary. Recently, his past and present collided when he was presented with an opportunity to partake in a new adventure as a judge on Wall of Bakers, a spin-off of Food Network Canada’s successful competition series Wall of Chefs. Wall of Bakers features amateur bakers from across Canada, and 24 renowned Canadian chefs who appear as judges on the Wall, with 12 featured each episode. The skill and nerves of Canada’s home bakers are tested as they battle in the Wall of Bakers kitchen, under the towering shadow of the country’s best pastry chefs. “When you look at the judges on the show it’s a very interesting mix of famous, iconic people from the culinary
16 Culinaire | March 2022
world, as well as up-and-coming businesses from the four corners of Canada,” says Rousseau. “I believe the profile of Ollia was appealing as an up-and-coming business and I got convinced to do the show. I thought it would be a fun adventure.” As a “feel-good Canadian baking show”, Rousseau says joining as a judge was a perfect fit given his reasons for starting Ollia. “Early on we created an atmosphere that was supportive, where people would thrive.” Over the years Rousseau and his team have focused on not only building the business, but also on building community. “When you have a business you have a voice that is followed, and you can do good with this voice. You can have a positive impact in the community. So we have been using Ollia for a force of good in the community by supporting The Leftovers Foundation, as well as LGBTQ+ and environmental associations around town.” In each episode of Wall of Bakers, four amateur bakers
