CTS News

Renée Lavallée is a Chef, entrepreneur, partner, mother, and community builder, but just call her Renée. We had a chance to catch up a few days after COOKSCAMP to talk about back east, what brought her into the business and how she has navigated all that restaurant ownership can bring. Her insightful addition to the panel of Women in Industry was very well received and we expand on it a bit more in our conversation. I hope you enjoy this weeks episode.

In this weeks episode we speak with long time Chef and Entrepreneur Karl Gregg of Rosies BBQ and Smokehouse. Karl has over 25years under his belt in the hospitality business and has been part of all facets of the business from multi unit fast casual to independent businessman to food truck operator to now bringing authentic Texas style BBQ to the lower mainland. His love of the business and the people within it are infectious and rare, I learned a lot from Karl and I hope you do to.

This weeks episode features a conversation I had with local Chef Daniel McGee of Wentworth Hospitality. Born and raised in North Vancouver, and his hometown roots define who he is.

From the Arctic wilds of the Yukon Territory, to Michelin starred restaurants of London, to mega yachts on the French Riviera. Chef Chris Irving has seen and done more in his career than most.

Chef Chen is probably one of the most accomplished Chefs in Canada right now. Listen as Alex tells his story of being born in Malaysia, raised in Vancouver and understanding his love and gift for food and hospitality.

Geoff Hopgood is an independent restaurant owner, independent entrepreneur and an independent thinker.

A day after we recorded our episode, Meeru and I decided that we needed to add an addition to our chat. Some strategic actual take aways for people to hear to better understand each other and the needs of Women in our industry. Listen to this one for the take aways, Listen to the longer ones for the deep dive and deeper understanding. Both are worth your time and in this business, understanding one another better is the real key to a successful business.

One of our most interesting activations at COOKSCAMP 2023 is our panel on Women in Industry. After chatting with the moderator of this panel, Meeru Dhalwala, we both agreed that this is such an important conversation that we should start it on the podcast.

Leadership is at the successful core of any great business. They say some leaders are born, in my experience, great leaders are trained, mentored and continue learning. Margot Baloro is, a manager, a sommelier, a Les Dames Escoffier, a mentor and most importantly a leader.

Hamid talks about growing up in Iran and his journey through Turkey and finally to Vancouver. He is passionate about food and he is even more passionate about the people he feeds.

This week we have World renowned Choclatier, Master Pâtissier, Entrepreneur, and bike rider, Thomas Haas on the podcast. From his training in Europe to Vancouver to New York and back to Vancouver. We hear his story in his words.