The 9th Annual BC Restaurant Hall of Fame Gala took place on September 30 at the Italian Cultural Centre, and 11 of BCs restaurateurs, chefs, bartenders, pioneers, and industry leaders were inducted.
The awards recognize individuals making an impact on the culinary scene. Professional and personal accomplishments make them candidates for this prestigious award.
The inductees represent a range of ages, industry professions, and experience (17-40+ years). It was an honour to be in the same room as the inductees and their peers who have worked hard to make BC a global culinary destination.
Although the awards cover all of BC, many of the inductees were from Metro Vancouver. Our city is lucky to have such talented individuals supporting the restaurant industry. I commend the inductees for their passion and hard work.
The Industry Award
Julian Bond Executive Chef, COO and Vice President, Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts. He is a mentor, instructor and source of support for future chefs at PICA. I encourage you to support their student run restaurant, Bistro 101, and take one of their culinary classes.
Back of House: Ernst Dorfler Owner and chef of Five Sails Restaurant in Pan Pacific Hotel. Dorfler has represented Canada at six international culinary competitions and has won 30 gold medals.
Front of House: Jay Jones Brand Ambassador and Executive Bartender, Donnelly Group. Jones is the first and youngest bartender to be inducted in the BC Hall of Fame. Hes an excellent source for cocktail history and education.
Friend of the Industry
Joy Metcalfe Journalist/society columnist, Joys Journal. Joy was working long before social media, and with 40 years of experience, shes a well-respected media icon.
Christine Coletta Owner, Okanagan Crush Pad. With her custom wine making facility, Coletta is a wine expert and major support for the BC wine industry.
Caren McSherry Owner, The Gourmet Warehouse. Not only is she a cook, writer, and teacher, but she also supports 20 charities. Get tickets to her 2nd Annual Chocolate Challenge event on Oct. 10.
Coffee and Beverage
John Neate Jr. Founder, JJ Bean Coffee Roasters. In 17 years, Neate has opened 14 cafes; the latest one can be found in False Creek (at 188 W. 1st).
Pioneer
Wally Shaw (tribute to Chefs Association) The late Shaw founded the BC Chefs Association in 1958. Since 1981, the association has donated more than $500,000 to culinary students and competitors.
Active Restaurateur
Paul Smolen Owner, Hart House Restaurant. Located in a heritage house on a thirteen-acre estate, this is one of Burnabys top fine dining destinations.
Sean Heather Owner, Heather Hospitality Group. Heather is the father of 14 (nine restaurants and five children). His restaurants include The Irish Heather, Salt Tasting Room, and Judas Goat Taberna.
Jeff Donnelly Founder and president, Donnelly Group. Established in 1999, Donnelly runs a whopping 18 businesses, including public houses, cocktail clubs, nightclubs, partner venues, and barbershops. Soon to be 19 with The Blackbird Public House & Oyster Bar opening early October.
Find Mijune judging The United Way Chili Cook-Off on Oct. 2 at Vancouver City Hall, at Crosstowns newest local bar, The Bismarck launch party (526 Abbott) and at Donnelly Groups new restaurant The Blackbird Public House & Oyster Bar (905 Dunsmuir) and Lucky Peach Gender Issue Release party on Oct. 3. She will also be at The Great Canadian Sausage Making Competition on Oct. 5 at the Fraser Valley Food Show, and at the From Farm to Forks 4 A Growing Chefs! Harvest Kitchen Party at PICA on Granville Island Oct. 6 (FromFarmsToForks4.eventbrite.com)
Find out more about Mijune at FollowMeFoodie.com or follow her on Twitter @followmefoodie.
