31 Jul Southview Welcomes Chef David

Southview Welcomes New Executive Chef

A few words from Chef David W. Smith:

I started my career in the Vancouver Hotel as a banquet cook and was quickly exposed to European influence.  Having grown up in the very relaxed Vancouver lifestyle, I was not used to rigorous training in a world class culinary environment. However, being of Irish descent, I adapted wholeheartedly and spent the next eight years learning the basics.

I was not your average dedicated Chef at first, as I spent a lot of my time on the rugby field, tennis court and was active in theatre training and the arts. I considered those as career choices, and still do to this day!

I was drawn back to culinary arts as roles became more interesting and opportunities were presenting themselves. Eventually it led to travel as I completed additional training at the Cordon Bleu school in London, England, then off to Australia where I was banquet Chef in a 5- star hotel feeding celebrities and politicians as well as serving in many glamorous events.

In recent years, I became an executive chef and created menus, served many guests and mentored numerous young chefs  in a variety of environments. I spent years circling the globe with Holland America Cruise Line as their Fine Dining Chef. I also created menus for Airlines such as Cathay Pacific, Air New Zealand, Jal Airlines to name a few and Starbucks lunch items. I had literally climbed the culinary mountain and was still learning. And these were just a few of my roles – too many restaurants and hotels to mention along the way!

Today my aspirations are more about getting back the fundamentals, working with good people and  being hands on to serve quality food.  Fresh is always better!

David