Vancouver is home to some of the best chefs in the world, many have worked for the top chefs and restaurants around the world as well as around the city. Dishing with the Chefs is a series of Interviews with some of the top chefs in and around Vancouver.

When Derek was almost 14 years old he got his first job at McDonalds where he worked for 4 months. He then worked in construction and at the same time in a bunch of restaurants including Boston Pizza, Pizza Hut and other chains. As he grew up in Alberta and the legal drinking age being 18, he was fortunate to be able to start working in the pubs after he turned 18, and he worked there while he was going to university. At 21 or 22, he started a job working at The Wildwood in Calgary doing wild game stuff, where he worked in the pub downstairs and at the same time in fine dining upstairs. He then moved on to Bravo Bistro in Calgary for awhile. Then 12 years ago he moved to Vancouver, becoming the chef at Wazubee Café on the drive which he worked for 2-1/2 years. He then joined Chill Winston as the Executive Chef and he also helped open Guilt & Co, after 7 years he is still running both of these restaurants in the same role.

You can follow Chef Derek Bothwell on Twitter @DerekBothwell and on instagram

Did you go to Culinary School?

No I am self taught but I did get my red seal a few years ago.

How important do you think is Red Seal certification for your chefs?

I do Red Seal certification with my staff now, cause I believe people feel guarded in this industry here. You can’t limit yourself, I want to hear my cooks opinions and ideas.

How do you keep your staff inspired?

It’s about the passion and the excitement, showing them how to make different things, such as different breads. I do various special events that motivates the team.

How did you get involved in Growing Chefs?

I was involved in a kids program which was vegan to keep the allergies off, I made a vegan chili and was involved with the group for 3 years as I knew Jaydeen. When Jaydeen moved over to work at Growing Chefs she got in touch with me and I got involved with Growing Chefs.

Tell me about one of your initiatives with Growing Chefs

I created a dish using Earthwise farm produce for the Growing Chefs intiative called Eat. Give. Grow. Our servers try to promote it to the customers. All the proceeds go to Growing Chefs after costs. I aim to support this incredible organization, anything makes a difference.

1^st dish:

Cedar Plank Zucchini

Zucchini

Pickled nectarines

Romesco sauce

Goat cheese vinaigrette

Spicy almonds

Inspiration:

The idea of roasting salmon on a cedar plank. Talked about roasting vegetables on a cedar plank.

What are your favourite ingredients to cook with?

Wild game

Grass fed component

Local produce

How did you get involved in purchasing from Earthwise Farms?

Joanne Mackinnon used to run Slow Food’s locally, we talked about it one day, she introduced me to her friend Patricia Flemming at Earthwise Farm. I started working with them that started the relationship. I help with a local dinner that they do every fall called the Hundred Mile Diet Banquet.

What are your favourite foods to eat personally?

Ramen

Mussels

Oysters

 

2nd dish:

Venison Striploin

Venison striploin

Smoked bone marrow

Squash puree

Pickled Brussel sprouts coleslaw

Chimichurri

Berry demi glace

Inspiration:

A chef competition with friends, I like to win, therefore I created this dish and I got a standing ovation for this local venison which was a great dish.

What are your favourite restaurants to eat in Vancouver outside of where you work?

The Ramen Butcher

AnnaLena

What do you like to do in your Off Time?

Making my own bread

Ingredient sourcing

Snowboarding

Hiking

Fishing

3^rd dish:

Toasted Farro

Farro

Summer succotash (green beans, corn, char tomatoes)

Snap pea puree

Vegetarian sausage (rice, beans and chickpeas).

Inspiration:

I wanted to do an Octopus sausage, then thought of doing a vegetarian sausage. I wanted to do farro for it’s nutty flavour and grilled veggies.

Tell me about baking your own Bread

It started with chasing the baguette, then whole grain breads, natural yeast starters, milling my own grain. It is all the stages of making bread that I love, the proofing, patience. I just make it for myself in my spare time.

Tell me about Pickling Fruits

I was reading a book called “Slow Fruits” talked about pickling fruits, I then pickled strawberries, sweet and tartness and I loved it, added to my fresh salad. I have done pickled mangos, nectarines and veggies such as leekscapes.

Stay tuned for the next chef in the Dishing with the Chef series.

By: Richard Wolak