Marissa is a completely self-taught chef. Born and raised in Montreal, Marissa’s kitchen reflects the multicultural food haven she hails from. Her Caribbean heritage is the foundation of her passion for honoring tradition, and you taste this in every bite of food she prepares. A proud MasterChef Canada alumna, Marissa uses her voice and platform to provide more visibility for other young, black LGBTQ+ members of the culinary community.
Marissa’s goal is to share the love and passion that she has for food with as many people as possible. Come have warm and inviting, sometimes adventurous and always delicious experiences with her. You know that feeling when you take a bite of something so incredibly good and don’t want it to end?
Marissa lives for that moment and makes it her mission to relive it as often as possible.
“The best thing about it is that food is meant to be shared – and that extends to all those amazing sensations. So that’s what I do – create delicious dishes that make you feel all the feels right down to the very last bite.”
With a focus on accessibility, Marissa channels her passion, expertise, and drive to create immersive full experiences through her brand, ELLEJAY’S – a space where Marissa shares her love for food by curating unique menus. From intimate dinner parties to large corporate events, food festivals to cooking classes and even ground-breaking art installations – there are no limits to what Marissa can bring to life on a plate.
“In my kitchen or yours, we are having warm and inviting, sometimes adventurous but always delicious experiences. Food pushes boundaries. Food challenges us. Food is art. ”
Big Burger Battle | Flavour Network
We're down to four for Flavour Network's Big Burger Battle and we're excited to cheer our girl Marissa Leon-John on!
Burgers Reign Supreme on Big Burger Battle | Flavour Network
We're down to four for Flavour Network's #bigburgerbattle and we're excited to cheer our girl Marissa Leon-John!
It's time to reclaim the joy of cooking with diabetes
Chef Marissa shares “Self-Care Through Cooking” in a featured article on LinkedIn with Diabetes Canada.
Les Premiers Vendredis
Marissa pulled up to Les Premiers Vendredis at Olympic Stadium with Chef Stefan Jacob, burgers in tow and ready to impress!
DESTA Black Community Network - In the premiere episode
In the premiere episode of DESTA Black Community Network's #QUARTIERSNAPSHOTS, we explore Dollard-des-Ormeaux and Marissa’s journey.
Air Canada's 2024 Best New Restaurant awards
As judges, Evelyn, Imrun, and Marissa attended Air Canada's 2024 Best New Restaurant awards ceremony! Head to Air Canada’s website to explore the top 10 restaurants you’ll want to try!
ElleJay's x Futurpreneur x RBC
Marissa created an incredible meal for a talented group of young Black entrepreneurs at the Currency Workshop, in RBC’s Futurpreneur’s exciting and inspiring event.
The Moreish Podcast
Talked about growing up in a Caribbean family in Canada, being a private chef, her line of spice blends and how she infuses Caribbean flavours into meals.
Special Carribean Chinese Collab Dinner with Eva Chin
The night was curated by Chef Eva Chin and Chef Marissa Leon-John showcasing a four course dinner rooted in Chinese-Caribbean flavours at the Supper Club by TasteToronto.
Marissa is proudly queer all year
Marissa opens up about the pressures of being an all star, her time in the military and leaving her corporate job. Plus, she talks about coming out to her Caribbean immigrant family and what her uncle said to her during a visit to St Lucia.
Partnership with Jacklinks Canada
We made some sweet and savory blueberry hand pies using Jacklicks Canada Sweet & Hot jerky topped with candied Bacon Jerky.
Get this recipe and more in the Official Jack Link’s Holiday Cookbook. It’s packed full of super easy and delicious recipes that all use Jack Link’s products. Check it out online at jacklinks.ca.
Masterchef Canada’s Marissa Leon-John is proudly queer all year
Marissa opens up about the pressures of being an all star, her time in the military and leaving her corporate job. Plus, she talks about coming out to her Caribbean immigrant family and what her uncle said to her during a visit to St Lucia.
Marissa's Roast Chicken with Cassava Farine Stuffing
This is Marissa's rendition of Grandmom's cassava farine stuffing in a roasted chicken. Marissa uses Canadian chicken instead her usual Cornish hens!
Marissa's Grandmom’s Glazed Baked Chicken Wings
Marissa shares her Canadian chicken recipe for her Family's Legacy Recipe campaign.
Diabetes-friendly Recipes
I am absolutely thrilled to share that I have partnered with @cart2table in efforts to create nutritious, delicious, fun and heart-healthy recipes for folks living with type 2 diabetes and their loved ones.
• Caribbean Shrimp with Mango Sauce and Zucchini Noodles
• Spiced Molten Chocolate Cake
@capmaison x ELLEJAY’S dinner series was at their beautiful beach bar, @thenakedfishermanstlucia
Recap of cooking in St. Lucia. The dream was put out into the universe and the universe replied with a unique opportunity. The gracious team @capmaison invited me to be their first guest chef of the new year.
So I said “LET’S GO!!!!” and got to work on creating a menu of dishes that highlight the beauty of what St. Lucia provides - with an essence that is undeniably ELLEJAY’S
Delicious brunch foods for your Pride celebrations
Chef serves up fresh and festive brunch ideas to keep you fuelled for Pride. on CTV's The Social
QUELL Chef Kitchen series at Stackt Market's COMEBACK Festival
Chef Marissa and Chef Bashir Munye feature a five course menu was designed to incorporate vibrant, diverse and local ingredients grown right here in the GTA from Foodshare Toronto, 100knm Food Inc., Afri-Can FoodBasket and Black Creek Community Farm