Talent

Originally from Guadalajara, Mexico-born Luis Valenzuela had a passion for food at an early age. Luis immigrated to Toronto in 2011 to study the culinary arts at George Brown College, where he quickly developed his unique style and flair, embracing traditional methods while staying true to his Latin roots. He then went on to Toronto's notable North 44 and Bymark restaurants, working with renowned Chef Owner Mark McEwan and Executive Chef Andrew Ellerby.

Luis continued to work under influential leaders who helped shape his culinary style. His travels took him to Europe, where he worked under Chef Bruno Barrbieri in Verona, Italy and Chef Adolfo Munoz in Toledo, Spain. After returning to Toronto, Luis became Head Chef at Café Cinquecento in 2006 and quickly rose through the culinary scene and became Executive Chef at Torito Tapas Bar in 2007. Throughout these experiences, Luis has been able to create balance by contributing back to the community through meaningful charitable causes and campaigns.

In 2012, he became Co-Owner and Executive Chef of Carmen Cocina Española, serving Toronto Spanish-inspired cuisine paired with Luis' bold influence. In 2013, Carmen received a nomination as one of Canada's Best New Restaurants by Enroute Magazine.

In the spring of 2017 Luis made his debut on the small screen, starring in a cooking show on Gusto TV "The Latin Kitchen" is an upbeat half hour of culinary favourites from Mexico, Spain and Venezuela.

Luis' culinary philosophy reflects the rich diversity of Toronto. He articulates global flavours while also honouring the land, working with southern Ontario producers and farmers to seek out the finest regional ingredients. Currently Luis is the owner and Executive Chef from El Moro Latin Kitchen, head Chef at Mad Mexican and teaches as a culinary professor at George Brown College.

Luis is passionate about making a difference to cuisine in Canada, one dish at a time. Ongoing and devoted to his craft, Luis is also passionate about mentoring young cooks to discover their talents in the same way he was encouraged. He is proud to foster strong and dynamic teams that are continuously learning and striving for excellence.

Luis's Events: Cellar Door | Early Entry CRUSH Grand Tasting | Culinary Stage

Chef Quang (pronounced ‘Wang’) Dang began his culinary career at Joe Fortes Seafood and Chophouse and further apprenticed at the Metropolitan Hotel before moving to West Restaurant, where he worked as junior sous chef. West won the Vancouver magazine ‘Restaurant of the Year’ in 2004 and 2005 during his tenure. After three years at the renowned seafood-centric C restaurant, where he worked with Chef Rob Clark, O.C., Quang became executive chef at the Metropolitan Hotel’s Diva Restaurant. He returned to West as executive chef for seven years, was executive chef at Whistler’s Araxi Restaurant, then became corporate executive chef for their parent company, Top Table Group. More recently, he has been executive chef at D.I.C.E.D., a culinary social enterprise organization.

Early in his career, Quang quickly established himself as an advocate of sustainability and a champion of West Coast cuisine, a role that he continues to undertake in defining his approach to modern cookery.

Quang went on to compete in a number of international food competitions such as the Bocuse D’Or in Lyon, France; the National Chaîne des Rôtisseurs in Winnipeg; and as a Canadian representative at the European Seafood Exposition in Brussels, the largest of its kind. “Every day brings a new adventure,” he says, “defined by the seasons and the extraordinary ingredients available to us in the Pacific Northwest. It is my privilege to have worked alongside the finest culinary and service brigades in Canada.”

Quang's Events: Culinary Stage | Culinary Stage | Culinary Stage | Culinary Stage

I’m the chef at Fergie’s Cafe in Squamish, where I bring my passion for fresh, local ingredients and thoughtful cooking to every dish. My journey started in high school when my mentor, Jason Dabbagh, and I formed a culinary team with several other students. His guidance and belief in me sparked my love for the craft, and those early experiences of teamwork and creativity in the kitchen solidified my path. Jason’s influence has shaped who I am as a chef, driving me to constantly improve and embrace new challenges. After refining my skills in places like Canmore, I’ve come to realize that nature and mental health are deeply intertwined with my approach to cooking. I strive to create meals that nourish both body and mind, reflecting the beauty of the environment and the importance of well-being.

Austin's Event: Culinary Stage

Jacques, the founder of Salt N Sear, discovered his passion for cooking at an early age after moving from Lusaka, Zambia, to Canada with his mother. Inspired by her delicious food, Jacques developed a love for cooking that has led him on a global culinary journey. Now, he channels that passion and experience into every dish at Salt N Sear, ensuring a unique and flavorful dining experience.

Jacques's Event: Night Market: Taste of the World

Jason Dabbagh (BEd, RSE) grew up in a home where food was not just a means of nourishing bodies, but also a means of nourishing relationships and community. Hospitality was paramount.

Jason extended this philosophy into his teaching practice: a culinary high school teacher since 2011, Jason continues to lead with the tenants of hospitality, community, service, and compassion. He also believes that building confidence in people through food education will promote better eating habits and dramatically improve quality of life. He is most proud of the creation of a program that empowers students as owners/operators of a small food business and especially proud of the young successful cooks that have emerged from it.

Jason's Event: Culinary Stage

Chef Neal Harkins serves as the executive chef at Whistler’s Conference Center, bringing nearly 30 years of expertise in large group catering and fine dining. Throughout his accomplished culinary career, he has led numerous kitchens. Beyond his leadership in the kitchen, Neal also owns Rootables Chips, a popular favourite that continues to expand. Recently, he’s gained additional recognition as part of the lively duo, “Two Chefs and a Knife”, known for creating engaging and viral cooking content on YouTube and TikTok.

Neal's Event: West Coast House Party | CRUSH Grand Tasting

Chef Trevor Randle is a distinguished Red Seal Chef and an accomplished educator, holding a Masters of Education from the University of British Columbia. As the chef for BC Agriculture in the Classroom and instructor at Maple Ridge Secondary School, he has dedicated his career to shaping the next generation of culinary talent. He plays an integral role in fostering the Take a Bite of BC program in secondary teaching school kitchens around the province. Chef Randle demonstrates to culinary arts students the importance of cooking with fresh , local products and encourages them to appreciate the efforts farmers make to grow our food and make it available fresh to our tabes. Trevor’s leadership extends beyond the classroom, he serves as the president of the BC Teaching Chefs Association. As an inclusive educator at heart, he has mentored countless chefs and educators promoting the value of fresh, BC grown products. Trevor’s unwavering passion for culinary arts, education, food security and BC agriculture makes him a prominent figure in both the culinary and educational communities.

Trevor's Event: Culinary Stage

Thea's Event: Night Market: Taste of the World

Maggie's Event: Night Market: Taste of the World

Steven's Event: Night Market: Taste of the World

Gia Metric began her drag career in Toronto. By 2018, she was performing at The Junction's weekly drag showcase in Vancouver, along with Kendall Gender and Synthia Kiss. She was named Vancouver's Entertainer of the Year in 2016, and Vancouver's Next Drag Superstar in 2018. She competed on the second season (2021) of Canada's Drag Race. Referring to her popularity upon entering the drag competition, Bernardo Sim of Screen Rant described Gia Metric as "the queen with a big reputation that everyone is aware of". She placed fourth in the competition. Gia Metric walked in New York Fashion Week in 2019. In 2021, she co-hosted Canada's Drag Race viewing parties in Toronto and Vancouver. She is scheduled to appear at RuPaul's DragCon LA in 2022.

Gia's Event: DRAG me to Après

Dave Nystrom is an acclaimed comedian who has performed stand up all over the world, including the United Kingdom, and HBO's prestigious US Comedy Arts Festival in Aspen, Colorado, He has filmed specials for Comedy Central, HBO, VH1 The Comedy Network and CTV. He's won a Canadian Comedy Award and a Writers Guild Award. Don't miss your chance to see him live in Whistler!

Dave's Event: Comedy Kitchen

Sophia Johnson is an actor and comedian from New Zealand. You might have seen her on Netflix’s ‘Ash vs the Evil Dead’, CW’s ‘legends of tomorrow’ and ‘Nancy Drew’. She worked as a writer for several years on the hit NZ comedy TV show ‘7 Days’. You can hear her on the Just for Laughs originals ‘Best of The West’ album ‘Yee-Haw Hell Yeah’. And See her TV set for the New Wave of Stand Up at Just for Laughs Vancouver on CBC Gem! She also appeared as a guest on TVNZ’s comedy news show ‘The Project’

Sophia's Event: Comedy Kitchen

Once described as "always fresh, and never frozen", She is one of Vancouver iconic Asian drag excellence who’s always serving you head to toe rhinestones and dancing diva realness. She always brings the heat and choreo in her performances to give you the full Bibi experience. When she says "how phresh" you say - Sou-Phreshhhhh.

Bibi's Event: DRAG me to Après

Victoria Lush is a multifaceted drag performer with over a decade of experience performing across Canada. With a love for fashion and the 80’s, she is sure to turn heads and give you anything from full on glamour, a whole lot of rock and roll, or a lap dance. Pick your jaws up off the floor and get ready for one hell of a show you won't forget.

Victoria's Event: DRAG me to Après

Jett Jupiter draws inspiration from strong, iconic women. Her creativity shines through in her wig styling and designing her own outfits. Jett combines elegance with exaggerated elements, curating a fashion style that is fiercely feminine and playfully camp. Her goal is to empower and entertain, while celebrating self expression through art.

Jett's Event: DRAG me to Après

Decoa and Jeff Harder successfully created and built Ex Nihilo Winery in the Okanagan Valley, an endeavour that lasted 20 years. During that time they farmed up to 100 acres annually, including vineyards located as far north as Vernon and South to Oliver, BC. Other entrepreneurial endeavours included producing both US and Canadian wine for rock legends the ‘Rolling Stones’, and distributing it internationally. The couple now own and operates ‘Groupe One Consulting’, offering business operations and marketing management services to the wine industry.

Decoa and Jeff's Event: Signature Event: Mother Nature v. Okanagan Wineries: A Climate Conundrum

DJ Kearney is a Vancouver-based wine educator, consultant and global wine expert. Her decades in the wine industry have embraced teaching, wine writing and criticism, judging and speaking. DJ holds the WSET Diploma, the ISG Sommelier Diploma and has spent four years in the Master of Wine program. She is a WSET educator working for many global wine bodies and has trained hundreds of sommeliers throughout North America. She heads the WSET courses at the Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts and has started a judge training program in Canada to help prepare the next generation of wine judges. DJ is the Director of Wine at Vancouver’s Terminal City Club. She's been the the Vice President of CAPS-BC and responsible for the Best Sommelier of BC competition and has directed two Best Sommelier of Canada competitions. While DJ is devoted to the wines of her home province and has helped guide the BC industry over the past two decades, she's also an ambassador/educator for many global wine marketing entities such as Wines of Argentina.

DJ's Events: Age is Liquid Art | Sip Into the New California | Syrah World Tour | Under the Super Tuscan Sun | Chenin Showcase!

Dr. Damien Wilson is an Australian native, and works with the Wine Business Institute at Sonoma State University, in California. His wine journey started with château cardboard, but progressed in conjunction with a 7-year stint in Burgundy, learning how much more fun Chardonnay can be when drunk out of a bottle, next to a gooey hunk of cheese and fresh bread.

Damien’s professional career grew from glass-washer, through wine steward, cellar-hand, sales representative and wine director, before research on wine consumption in Australia, France and the U.S. His focus in on the experience more than the wine in the glass. He has published or presented more than 100 times on the topic of wine consumers and business, and he recognizes the pre-eminence of B.C. wines in the global market.

Damien's Events: Bubble Around the World | Chardcore Part III: Global Chardonnay Celebration | Viva Italia! Italy’s Best Values

Patrick Ellis is a “Saké Samurai”, a rare Title bestowed by the Brewers of Japan (Jr Council), recognizing his expertise and dedication to increasing awareness of Japanese saké around the world. He is fluent in Japanese and has been sharing his passion for saké for over 28 years. Patrick presents Saké at events and universities across Canada, the US and Japan where he recently lectured at the Saké Department of Niigata University as well as a number of Japanese breweries.

Patrick's Event: Legacy to Luxe: Journey Through the World of Premium Japanese Sake

As Brand Experience Manager for Shelter Point Distillery Chris Read is responsible for sharing the company’s story. He oversees the customer experience at the distillery including tours and tastings. Chris provides Masterclasses on Shelter Point whiskies and Tastings at events, and he likes nothing more than introducing people to our award winning whiskies and sharing the story of how they are made. He also manages the company’s social media and media interactions. Chris has a background in communication and stakeholder engagement. He is proud to work with a team that is passionate about crafting high quality single malt that has an intimate relationship with its surrounding location and is eager to support Shelter Point’s evolution into a brand that’s globally recognized for top-quality single malt.

Chris's Events: Culinary Stage | Shelter Point Distillery

Raised around the dinner table, Ian drew inspiration from food, wine, and the people who made them from an early age. Through the lens of Andrew Peller (Black Hills Estate, Tinhorn Creek, Red Rooster, Sandhill, and Gray Monk) he collaborates with restaurant groups to craft insightful, interesting, and tasty wine programs. His seven years of portfolio management at a flourishing Ontario Import Agency and five years as a Fine Dining Sommelier and Wine Director gives him a unique perspective into our beloved industry. Ian was recently named the 2024 Best Sommelier of British Columbia, holds a WSET Diploma, and is pursuing the Master of Wine designation. You can find him moderating workshops, judging on wine panels, teaching WSET, or practicing his golf swing.

Ian's Event: All Roads Lead to Bordeaux, Almost

Initially, Chris was on the path to becoming a chef. After attending the Culinary Institute of America in Napa Valley, he made the switch to wine when his family were founding Unsworth Vineyards in the Cowichan Valley. His wine education includes passing the Certified Sommelier exam, he holds the WSET Diploma and is currently enrolled in the Master of Wine Study Programme. For the past 15 years Chris has worked at Unsworth and in a variety of roles within the wine industry. He worked as a Sommelier at Hawksworth Restaurant in Vancouver and completed the Practicum in Sustainable Agriculture at UBC Farm. Chris is very active in the BC wine community having served as a board member of Wine Growers BC, and is currently on the Board of Directors of CAPS-BC.

Chris's Event: All Roads Lead to Bordeaux, Almost

Keith Nicholson is a distinguished expert in the wine and spirits industry, with a career spanning over 25 years in Vancouver's hospitality scene. A certified Sommelier, Keith has made significant contributions to some of British Columbia’s most renowned dining establishments, including The Bearfoot Bistro, here is whistler, and Le Crocodile Vancouver, where he developed and led acclaimed wine programs. Beyond his work in hospitality, Keith’s passion for spirits is evident through his diverse certifications and achievements. He holds the WSET Diploma, along with a Teachers Certification that paved the way for him to establish Statera Academy teaching WSET Certifications in Spirits, Wine, and now Beer. Keith’s expertise extends into the realm of Scotch Whisky, having completed the prestigious Diploma in Scotch Whisky from the Edinburgh Whisky Academy. Statera Academy also offers EWA certificate courses in Scotch Whisky, Irish Whiskey, Gin, and American Whisky, available both online and in-person. Keith also holds the WSET Spirits Level 3 and is a Certified Bourbon Steward, accredited by Moonshine University in Kentucky.

Keith's Event: A Journey Around Scotland Through a Whisky Glass! | Drink Seminar: A Cocktail Showdown: Old Fashioned vs. Manhattan

Tracy Sharpe, owner of Sharpe Distillery, is an entrepreneur known for her dedication, hard work, and passion for both her business and her community. Family-oriented and always available to lend a helping hand, Tracy embodies the spirit of connection and support. At the heart of her distillery's mission is a commitment to sustainability, ensuring that every step in production respects the environment. Tracy's love for distilling runs deep, rooted in family history. Her grandfather, Jack Sharpe, was a legendary moonshiner who moved to Caswton in 1941. The Sharpe family has been a fixture in the town ever since, and Tracy is proud to carry on this rich legacy, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern, sustainable practices. Under her leadership, Sharpe Distillery has become a symbol of heritage, innovation, and community. CEJ Mussell is a passionate entrepreneur and co-owner of Sharpe Distillery, founded with his partner, Tracy Sharpe. Since the very idea of Sharpe Distillery in 2020, CEJ has devoted himself to mastering the craft of distilling, continuously expanding his knowledge and refining his techniques. CEJ was also instrumental in building the stunning grounds at Sharpe Distillery, creating a space that beautifully blends functionality and aesthetics. His commitment to quality and innovation is evident in both his craftsmanship and his pursuit of excellence in the world of distilling.

Tracy & CEJ's Event: Sharpe Distillery: Spirited Family Legacy in the Similkameen

Gary De Pape grew up in Winnipeg, Manitoba and is a Territory Manager for McClelland Premium Imports covering, North Vancouver, Squamish, Whistler, Gulf Islands and the Sunshine Coast. Like many Winnipeggers, Gary played a lot of hockey and after attending the University of Winnipeg, moved to Bavaria to play professional hockey. It was there that Gary fell in love, not just with the fantastic German beer…but with the art and science behind brewing & selling great beer. Upon his return to Canada, he became the Head Brewer of Winnipeg’s first craft brewery. Later, De Pape went on to start his own brewery. De Pape has worked as a Brewing Industry Consultant and helped three craft breweries go from business plans - to bottles of beer. De Pape has sold craft beer and import beer across western Canada and in North Dakota, South Dakota and Minnesota. More recently,  De Pape sold imported beer in California.  Outside of work, Gary enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter in Qualicum Beach, fishing, camping & hiking - and - when he can, likes to brew great beer at home.

Gary's Event: European Beer Discovery

In 2005 Tarquin Melnyk transitioned from a career in health care to hospitality. He’s since become awarded and widely respected in his field.

Tarquin is on a quest to elevate beverage culture and/ provide a lasting experience for everyone he serves. West Coast based since 2013, he led the bar at Bambudda in Vancouver’s Gastown, where he transformed it into one of the city’s most notable and adventurous cocktail bars. Tarquin’s love for plants, innovative molecular drinks and food science led him to a research & development role with Ms. Better’s Bitters, a line of high-quality bitters, syrups, vegan products. Part of this role is cocktail/menu development for restaurants and bars across North America and the UK. Ms. Better's is currently available in 20 countries.

One of their most notable products is the Miraculous Foamer, a shelf stable, compact, allergen free & plant-based tincture that replaces egg whites in cocktails. The Spirit Business listed it at number 10 on their ‘50 most innovative products in the world’ (2017) Tarquin is currently a bartender at Copperpenny Distilling Co, in North Vancouver - and helps operate an innovative pop-up concept called Sizzle Beach (a collaboration with hospitality professionals that he enjoys working with from a variety of venues in Vancouver.

In addition to bartending, food science and product development - Tarquin has spent time as a writer and photographer for a variety of blogs and publications.

Tarquin's Event: The History of Bitters

Robyn Gray has worked in the hospitality industry for 25+ years starting at the age of 18 in Glasgow, Scotland. Operating cocktail bars, nightclubs, pubs, restaurants, hotel lounges and now running his own consulting company, he seeks to share his experience.

Imbibing knowledge from Lisbon Bar Show, Edinburgh and Puerto Rico’s ‘Tales on Tour’, Athens Bar Show, BCB Brooklyn and the Art of the Cocktail as well as hosting seminars at ‘Tales of the Cocktail’ New Orleans, Long Table Distillery, Sovereign Sessions, CPBA Toronto, Copperpenny Distillery and Sunday School to name a few.

Leaning into the history and the evolution of tonic water as one of the world’s greatest mixers is a pleasure and duty not taken lightly by this bartender hosting at Cornucopia 2023!

Robyn's Event: The History of Bitters

Yuki Konishi is a representative of Axis Planning Inc. and the President of The Sake Association of British Columbia (SABC). He is dedicated to sharing his passion for Japan's finest beverages.

Axis Planning Inc. imports a carefully curated selection of authentic and high-quality Japanese alcoholic beverages (Sake, Umeshu, Shochu, and Whiskey) for the modern explorer seeking cultural sophistication and enjoyment.

SABC is currently made up of 12 sake importers and producers operating in BC. SABC's mission is to promote sake culture throughout BC and to elevate your daily life with the pure enjoyment of Japanese cultural beverages.

Yuki's Event: Japanese Alcohol On-Trend: Exploring Sake and Umeshu

James is an Educator for Authentic Wine & Spirits and serves as an Ambassador for the many great brands that they represent, including Champagne Louis Roederer, Masi Agricola, Paul Hobbs, and many others. James has been educated by the Wine & Spirits Education Trust, as well as the Society of Wine Educators, and has traveled extensively through much of the wine and whisky regions of the world exploring the many great products being created today.”

James's Events: Nooks and Crannies of Great Scotch Whisky: The Sequel | Masi - Vaio Amaron: The Powerful Amarone of Serego Alighieri

JPaul is a long-time wine & hospitality industry professional with stints at renowned locations such as the Pacific Institute for Culinary Arts and the Listel Hotel. As a long-time independent consultant, he continues to provide education & training for top restaurants throughout British Columbia and is currently the Sales Director for the Wine & Spirits importer, the Seacove Group. He is an accredited Spanish Wine Educator, Sherry Wine Educator & Certified Specialist of Spirits. His professional travels throughout the world continually give him the inspiration to share these great experiences.

Paul's Events: Tantalizing Tuscany | Eat, Apres, Love: Winter Whites | Fantastic Fortified | Pinot Family Reunion | Australia Unbridled | Wines of Cafe Culture III: The Tour Tastes On

Samantha has spent her entire adult in the mountains, immersed in food and wine. It statred in Banff where she wrote her first award winning wine list way back in 2001 for the Maple Leaf Grille. After meeting her taller half racing snowboard cross and going to the Vancouver International Wine Festival in 2007, she was imported to Whistler by him, and served as Wine Director at Araxi Restaurant until her restaurant retirmenent in 2018. Samantha was awarded BC Sommelier of the Year from Vancouver International Wine Festival and Vancouver Magazine in 2013. She has recently completed a wonderful five and a half year stint being the "Wine Fairy', as Private Client Service Manager and Fine Wine Ambassador for Select Wines and sister agency Icon Vins Fins. As an active participant of Cornucopia since her arrival in Whistler in 2007, and being your Cornucopia Ambassador for more than a decade, Sam now has an expnaded role with this fabulous event, still as Ambassador, and Festival Sommelier. She is also owner of Samantha's Garden, which offers food, beverage and hospitality services and consulting. Samantha lives up the road in Pemberton with her guy, Jamie, and two beloved tabbies, Francis and Fleurie. She is an avid (mostly downhill) mountain biker, backyard vegetable farmer, and sports fan.

Sam's Events: RIEDEL The Wine Glass Company: How the Glass Changes the Wines | Lest We Forget: The Wines of Our Allies | BC Wine: Then, Now, and Looking Ahead | Wine, Food, and Fun | Secrets of the Cornucopia Sommelier | Top Value Wines-The Whistler Edition

Tyler Dawson is a Vancouver-based wine professional involved in a long-term passionate wine affair. Hats he wears - often at the same time - include fine wine buyer, fine wine sales pro, educator and sommelier consultant, working inside organizations and as an independent consultant through Tythewineguy brand for nearly 30 years . As he likes to say, "I connect wine to clients and clients to wine".

Tyler’s knowledge and unique perspective are a result of his experiential learning - at home and in wine regions around the globe. Being in wine country, meeting with winemakers “in situ” is the best classroom – but not the only one – to peel back the many layers of wine and culture. Tyler’s Italian Wine Professional (Honours) designation, is one example of how to access and advance your knowledge, as well as seminars at Cornucopia! "Working in fine wine retail and hospitality for many years, I've had the pleasure of interacting with thousands of wine lovers who've shared their curiosity, questions, experiences and enthusiasm with me. This is the fuel in my glass that keeps me excited and on my wine journey”.

Tyler's Events: Top Value Wines | Drink Seminar: Burgundy Num-Num: Romancing the Beaune | French Foreign Regions | Sangio-Crazy