About Us

For me, food has always been more than just a meal — it’s a memory, a connection, and a piece of home.
My name is Celia Marques, but to my family and to my hometown in Portugal, I am Celia do Alferes. That name is a legacy, born from my grandfather — a fiery, passionate man who earned the nickname “o Alferes” (the Lieutenant) during his army years. Though small in stature, he carried himself with strength, pride, and a bold energy that filled any room he walked into. That spirit, that spark, lives on in me and in everything I do.
My love for cooking began when I was just nine years old. My parents were working late, and I decided to surprise them by starting dinner on the open fire. It was nothing more than a humble vegetable soup, but when they came home and saw what I had done, their joy and pride filled me with something I’ll never forget. At that moment, I realized that food has the power to bring people together, to comfort, and to create lasting moments. That simple soup was the beginning of my lifelong passion.
Life brought me to Canada at the age of 11, and while I pursued studies and a career in marketing, sales, and advertising, my heart never strayed far from the kitchen. Cooking, especially the Portuguese dishes that carried the flavours of my heritage, was always my way of keeping tradition alive and sharing love with those around me.
What began as cooking for family and friends grew into something bigger. In 2020, I took a leap of faith and started ALFERES Catering. By 2022, I knew this was where I was meant to be, and I embraced it full-time.
Today, ALFERES Catering is more than just a business. It is my story, my roots, and my joy. Every dish I prepare carries a piece of Portugal, a piece of family, and a piece of that little girl who once discovered the magic of cooking by firelight. My dream is to bring that same warmth and connection to every table I serve — because food is not just about eating, it’s about belonging.
And at the heart of it all is my greatest inspiration — my mother. She is an extraordinary cook, and everything I know about flavours, balance, and the beauty of Portuguese cuisine has been passed down from her. From pairing dishes to creating variety, she taught me not just the recipes, but the love and care that goes into preparing food for others. I am deeply proud of everything I have learned from her, and ALFERES Catering is, in many ways, a tribute to her legacy and the foundation she gave me.