The BC Restaurant Hall of Fame has named its 2014 inductees, and the list reads like a who's-who of the province's culinary scene.
The 10th anniversary gala takes place Sept. 29 at the Italian Cultural Centre, where 13 new members will be added to the Hall of Fame's ranks.
In the Active Restaurateur Category – which celebrates exceptional restaurateurs currently active in the BC restaurant industry – the 2014 inductees are Daniel Frankel (The Daniel Group), Gord Martin (Bin 941 and Go Fish), Scott Morison (Browns Socialhouse), and Greg Hays and Silvia Marcolini (Cafe Brio).
The coveted Industry Award honours an individual who is or has been a chef, server, manager, executive, or bartender, and who has demonstrated exceptional professionalism working in the restaurant industry, and for making their restaurant a special experience for customers.
For back of house, inductees are Jeff Van Geest of Miradoro at Tinhorn Creek and Takahashi
Ito of AURA Restaurant at the Inn at Laurel Point Hotel. The 2014 front of house inductee is Mike Bernardo, of Vij's and Rangoli Grill.
In the Friend of the Industry Category, inductees include Christine Blackwood of Blackwood Career Apparel + Essentials, Frank Geier of Gordon Food Services, and freelance food writer John Schreiner.
This year marks the inaugural Coffee and Beverage Award, which recognizes individuals who have excelled in building BC's coffee industry. The first-ever winners of the honour are Vince and Mike Piccolo of 49th Parallel Roasters.
A People’s Choice Award will also be handed out at the gala. Voting for this category will commence in mid-July and the winner will be announced at a later date.
"We have been honoured to celebrate exemplary people within the restaurant industry for the last nine years," said Ian Tostenson, President and CEO of the BC Restaurant and Foodservices Association in a press release. “The event gives a platform for them to be recognized by their peers and see how their contribution has affected the industry in a positive way. This year will be especially special as we pay tribute to a man who has provided so much to the industry, George Tidball.”
Tidball, who passed away at the age of 83, was the founder of the Keg Steakhouse Restaurants and brought the McDonald's fast food chain to Western Canada in 1967.
The BC Restaurant Hall of Fame was conceived in 2004 to recognize those who have made significant contributions to the BC restaurant scene, making it the finest in Canada.
The inaugural group of sixteen inductees was led by Erwin Doebeli and Umberto Menghi, and included legends such as Nat Bailey, Hy Aisenstat, George Tidball, Bruno Marti, and Harry McWatters.
Tickets for the Sept. 29 gala are available online at bcrfa.com or by phone at 604-669-2239.
