Favourite cocktail: Reposado Margarita, preferably made with limes from a tree in the yard.

If you could have dinner with any musician, who would it be and why? Mozart for his incredible talent on the piano; James Brown because he’s a personal favourite; and Coldplay because their ballads are unmatched…and he can often be heard singing along in the kitchen!

DINO RENAERTS

PARTNER, EXECUTIVE CHEF, & sommelier

Dino Renaerts has firmly established himself as one of the west coast’s culinary leaders. A Kitsilano boy, Dino completed his education and training in Vancouver and has built a prolific career spanning over three decades that has seen him cook in a clutch of the city’s finest restaurants. Today, he applies his talent, passion and vision to his role as Partner in Bon Vivant Catering & Events, serving discerning clientele across the province, and Bon Vivant Hospitality Group, providing front-of-house and back-of-house solutions to hospitality businesses.

A love of wine inspires Dino’s cuisine. In 1999, he was the first Red Seal Chef in Canada to become a Certified Sommelier through the International Sommelier Guild. His expertise in oenology earned him the runner-up Sommelier of the Year award at the Vancouver International Playhouse Wine Festival in 2006 and 2010.

Studies at the Dubrulle French Culinary School and a three-year apprenticeship at the William Tell led to roles at Bishop’s and Le Gavroche. Renaerts cooked for celebrities, politicians and royalty at the Fairmont Waterfront Hotel and Fairmont Hotel Vancouver and further honed his skills in the award-winning kitchens of Bistro Pastis and West. He later accepted executive chef positions at the Crown Plaza Hotel Georgia, the Metropolitan Hotel - home to the critically acclaimed Diva restaurant - and Hollyburn Country Club.

Recognition for his distinct, innovative approach to cooking has followed Renaerts throughout his career. He has garnered accolades for numerous regional and international competitions and was named ‘a culinary talent to watch’ by Vancouver and City Food magazines, and the Province newspaper. He also earned Best Northshore Restaurant during his partnership at Fraîche with his move across the bridge to West Vancouver. He is a regular guest on CTV Morning Live in Vancouver and Global News and has been on the judging panel of Canada’s 100 Best (Restaurants) since its inception.

Devoted to his province and his craft, Renaerts is actively involved in British Columbia’s culinary scene. He showcases his talents at several high-profile events annually, including the David Hawksworth Culinary Adventure at the West Coast Fishing Club in Haida Gwaii, the Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art’s annual Raven’s Feast, the Harmony Arts Festival, and the Chor Leoni gala. Renaerts served first on the board and later as president of the BC Chef’s Association from 2004 to 2009.

Global influences have helped fuel Renaerts’s passion for cuisine. He has represented Canada’s culinary excellence more than once in Indonesia and California and has drawn inspiration from visits to London, Greece, Singapore, Hong Kong, San Francisco, New York, Napa Valley, and Walla Walla.

Dino’s education in wine led to his most important partnership: his marriage to restaurant-industry powerhouse, Nessa van Bergen, whom he met during the International Sommelier Guild course at Dubrulle Culinary Arts. Today, Renaerts and van Bergen are partners in Bon Vivant Catering & Events and Bon Vivant Hospitality Group and have two vibrant daughters who keep life busy and bright.