Our Team
Photo credit: Kent Kallberg
Dino Renaerts
PARTNER, EXECUTIVE CHEF, & SOMMELIER
Dino Renaerts has firmly established himself as one of the west coast’s culinary leaders. A Kitsilano boy, Renaerts completed his education and training in Vancouver and has built a prolific career spanning over two decades that has seen him cook in a clutch of the city’s finest restaurants. Today, Renaerts applies his talent, passion and vision to his role as…. READ MORE….
Photo credit: K. Kanavaros
JOANNE MANDET
EVENT PLANNER & CAKE DESIGNER
Originally from Manchester, Joanne was recruited for a role with Emirates as a Sponsorship Executive, which brought her to Dubai in UAE. During her 12 years in the country, she went on to be Head of Sales for the prestigious Gulf News Broadcasting Group in the Middle East where she oversaw an extensive team that planned and executed unique marketing events, promotions, and activations for leading brands across retail, real estate, hospitality, and government sectors. In 2014 she moved with her two young daughters to BC and subsequently completed a degree in fashion Marketing at La Salle College. Most recently, Joanne worked in retail for many years as the Manager for Anthropologie in West Vancouver. During the pandemic, she began making macarons and custom cakes for Bon Vivant, and as demand increased, her baking career took on a life of its own and became Margot Macaron. Her cake designs are in high demand, and she can often be seen on an Insta Story late at night making the most beautiful creations for discerning clientele across the lower mainland. Joanne splits her time between her Event Planning role and our formal partnership with Margot Macaron. Now a mom to 4 beautiful children, her and her husband are a very busy couple.
Favourite cocktail: Negroni
If you could have dinner with any musician, who would it be and why? Taylor Swift.
Her daughters would never forgive her if she chose anyone else.
Contact: 604-921-2665, ext. 3 or email her here.
Photo credit: Near & Dear
Nessa van Bergen
MANAGING PARTNER, LEAD EVENT PLANNER, & SOMMELIER
Nessa’s first foray into high-end dining was with Umberto Menghi as part of the opening team for Mangiamo Ristorante in Yaletown in 1994, long before it became the ‘in’ neighbourhood it is now. She worked her way from Lunch Manager to Dining Room Manager after a year and credits her introduction into the world of wine to…
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Photo credit: N. van Bergen
GREG KEWISTEP
EVENT COORDINATOR & HOSPITALITY WRANGLER
Greg is a proud member of the Anishinaabe nation. He has been with Bon Vivant Catering for seven years in various service roles, so you’ve probably have met him at one of the many BVC parties he’s been part of. Like a lot of hospitality folks in BC, his first job was working for the Fuller family at Joey in the kitchen when he was in high school. He then moved over to the catering industry with Culinary Capers in his 20’s, which provided more flexibility for his school schedule. Greg is a huge part of the success of every event we cater with his behind-the-scenes attention to detail on your rentals, staffing, décor, and logistics. He is a joy to work with and has innate hospitality that we know you will love too.
Favourite cocktail: Without a doubt, a Negroni. From the glass it’s served in, to the sphere-shaped ice, the colour, and the taste made this a simple decision.
If you could have dinner with any musician, who would it be and why? Kylie Minogue. She is still making fantastic music, but unlike others from her time, she has stayed true to her style of music. The sound, her style; she’s timeless.
Contact: 604-921-2665, ext. 4 or email him here.
Our People
All of our team members are passionate about food and hospitality. We emphasize cultural diversity in both our menus and our cooking philosophies. Our front-of-house team will treat your guests like they are in our home - with genuine hospitality and warmth. We are an extension of you and your company. It's our job to anticipate your needs and handle the details with grace, professionalism, and a sense of fun.
Interested in joining our team? We'd love to hear from you: jobs@bonvivantgroup.ca