Where it all began...

Chef Cindy MacDougall, born and raised in Montreal, Quebec, is a passionate culinary innovator whose roots in food run deep.  From a young age, she spent countless hours in the kitchen with her grandmother, Granny Myrl, learning the art of cooking and absorbing stories steeped in tradition. These early experiences taught Cindy that cooking is more than just a recipe it is a way to connect, nourish, and celebrate family.

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Both Granny Myrl and Cindy’s mother, Brenda, grew up in Trinidad and Tobago, where meals are slow cooked and always shared as a family affair. Cindy often says, “If a dish is truly healthy and delicious, it cannot be made in two minutes.” Granny Myrl’s always had a slang about fast food still resonates today: “Child, it is good in a way, but it does not weigh much.”

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Cindy’s passion for food persisted even while studying Television and Arts at Ryerson University. Though her initial career path led her to broadcasting, writing for City Television Breakfast Television, food remained at the heart of her life. After a transformative two year culinary exploration in Australia, Cindy returned to Toronto with fresh inspiration and a desire to share her flavours with the world.
 

In 2002, Cindy launched her catering company, We Cater To You, marking the beginning of a new chapter.   To make her signature salad rememberable, her first creation was a Sesame Soy Vinaigrette.  This dressing quickly became a customer favourite and became a sought after dressing by many of her clients.   Over the years, Cindy expanded her line to include Herbed Vinaigrette, Balsamic Vinaigrette, and her signature Smoked Pepper Sauce.  Chef Cindy has earned many recognitions and awards for her smoked pepper sauce, sweet garlic & chili sauce, and her jalapeño & habanero pepper sauce.   Each of Chef Cindy's products reflect her commitment to healthy, bold, and versatile flavours that enhance countless cuisines.

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Together with her husband, Kevin, Cindy has grown her business while nurturing a family first philosophy. They live by the motto: “The family that is forced to work together, sticks together.” Their children, Chelsea and Chase, contribute to the family business while pursuing their own passions in dance and hockey, continuing the tradition of creativity and dedication Cindy learned from Granny Myrl.

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Today, Chef Cindy is not only a celebrated female entrepreneur in Toronto’s culinary scene but also a mentor and inspiration for women in food. Her story blends heart, heritage, and innovation, proof that with passion and perseverance, family, flavor, and business success can thrive together.