08/22/2021
Are these Vancouver's top restaurateurs and chefs? Business in Vancouver thinks so. I have much respect for many of them, but not a single woman and the list is very white. Editor Kirk Lapointe, when interviewed on CBC Vancouver by Margaret Gallagher stated that this is the state of the industry right now. But is it? For the most part, it is and there's work to do! But there weren't ANY women significant enough to make this list? Women have been and are still struggling to be respected in kitchens and boardrooms across this city, and the world. But there are certainly women that have in this city and are powerful enough to be here. According to the criteria that Biv set out, most definitely. Andrea Carlson owns the epic Burdock & Co and was key in bringing farm to table to fruition, at Bishop's Restaurant Raincity Grill and her epic restaurants, yes plural, she owns and operates now. Mary Mackay changed the type of bread we find on our tables and her goods can be found in grocery stores across the country and in Terra Breads locations across the city. Chef Karen Barnaby has history as a chef at the prominent Fish House, and now heads up product development at one of the foremost vegan food producers in our Country TMRW Foods. Meeru Dhalwala owner and chef at Vij's one if the best restaurants in North America, and a major player in climate change awarenes. I could go on, y'all know many that deserve to be here. Journalists have an obligation to tell a correct story. When lists like this are published the public flocks to these restaurants and money continues to flow into the establishment and attract investors. This type of list will continue to be white, and male, until we vote otherwise. Please do continue to support those who deserve support but look around and realize the state the industry is in and work to change it.