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Inductees join B.C. Restaurant Hall of Fame

VANCOUVER—British Columbia’s restaurant industry best made some more room on their mantles for awards handed out at the Restaurant Hall of Fame Dinner.

The sold out event at the brand new Vancouver Convention Centre West attracted 800 people to honour the Hall of Fame’s fifth group of inductees on March 30.

“Now in its 5th year, the inductees into the B.C. Restaurant Hall of Fame continue to be impressive,” said John Harper, chair of the British Columbia Restaurant and Foodservices Association.

“The 12 individuals being inducted in 2009 once again represent the very best of those who have made a significant difference to the B.C. restaurant industry.”

This year’s winners are:

Active Restaurateur— celebrating exceptional restaurateurs currently active in the B.C. restaurant industry:

David Aisenstat, The Keg Steakhouse & Bar, The Shore Club Vancouver, Ki and Hy’s Whistler; and Geoffrey Howes, The Salmon House & Coho Lounge, Aqua Riva and Horizons Restaurant.

Industry Award—an individual—retired, deceased or active—who is or has been a chef, server, manager, bartender and who has demonstrated exceptional professionalism working in the restaurant industry. These individuals are recognized for making their restaurant a special experience for customers:

Back of the House: Thomas Haas, Thomas Haas; and Scott Jaeger, The Pear Tree Restaurant.

Front of the House: Darren Gates, Joe Fortes Seafood & Chop House, GoldFish Pacific Kitchen; and Jean Turcotte, The Cannery Seafood Restaurant.

Friend of the Industry—An individual who has provided exceptional support to the restaurant industry - either a supplier, restaurant reporter, or politician who has consistently supported B.C.’s restaurant industry:

Sid Cross, co-founder—The Chef ’s Table Society of BC; Western Living Magazine Contributing Editor; and Jamie Maw, co-founder - The Chef ’s Table Society of B.C.; Vancouver Magazine.

Pioneer—Pioneers of the BC restaurant industry either retired or deceased: George Frankel, Bridges, founding partner; Bruno Patassini, Westin Bayshore Vancouver, catering manager; and Primo Villanueva, Primo’s Mexican Grill, founder.

Special Lifetime Achievement Award - Duncan Holmes, journalist.

“The 70 inductees over the last five years represent a very small percentage of our foremost culinary lights,” said Hall of Fame founder Bing Smith. “We are all proud to be part of the group that have lead the thriving B.C. restaurant industry to where it is today.”

Source: Restaurant News

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