Caroline Akwe

Caroline Akwe, General Manager

As General Manager of e18hteen, Caroline oversees the management of daily operations and the front of house, influencing all aspects of service. Her extensive hospitality experience and international background brings a renewed sense of passion and a distinct focus on service.

‘’I consider service and ambiance to be equally instrumental as exquisite cuisine in achieving an outstanding dining experience’’

Born in Belgium to a Haitian mother and African father, Caroline grew up in Montreal. Approximately fifteen years ago, she began her career in hospitality as a hostess at Baton Rouge initially as a means to support her music. Realizing her passion for service, she decided to spread her wings and move to New York City not only to pursue singing, but to further explore her interest in dinning in the culinary capital of the world.

Throwing herself into the New York scene, Caroline worked several hostess and serving jobs at trendy restaurants before joining Sir Terrence Conrans Guastavino’s 400 seat restaurant on Manhattan’s Upper East side as Assistant Maitre D' Catering to a mainly celebrity clientele. Time spent at  Guastavino's helped her develop a keen understanding of the importance of personalized and detail-oriented service.

Her personal service philosophy truly took form during her time spent as Maitre D’ for Cipriani at the legendary Rainbow Room at Rockefeller. Having developed a keen understanding of her dedication to detail and excellence, she moved into the position of manager at 44 restaurant of Ian Shrager’s Royalton Hotel, and later opened Town and Country with renowned Chef Geoffrey Zakarian.

Having decided to move back to Ottawa, Caroline worked at Wilfrid’s of Chateau Laurier, and le Café with Chef Kurt Waldele, stating ‘’I learned a lot from Kurt—among other things, to never stop seeking for perfection…’’