Eat Robson?Brunch is?a?dining series spotlighting different restaurants along Robson Street, to give you a behind the scenes look into the kitchens and chefs that make our neighborhood so scrumptious. To?complete our three part?Eat Robson Bunch?series, ?we chatted with?Head Chef, Benjamin Lee of Earls Kitchen + Bar, someone who is equally passionate about the food he cooks, as he is with the company that he works for. Read on to?learn what inspires Ben in his culinary endeavours, and be sure to enter?our?amazing Chef’s Table Dining?Experience?giveaway.
Benjamin Lee, Head Chef
How did your career as a chef begin?
I started at Earls when I was 15. I instantly fell in love with the environment and comradery of the kitchen. Venturing deeper into my high school job, I realized that this was more than?just a job and culinary was something I could do as a career; I was exposed to a world of opportunities. I took my love and passion for food and people, ran on a direct path into the world of culinary and never looked back.
What are some things you want people to know about your restaurant?
At Earls, we?take extreme pride in delivering not just food and drink, but an engaged and memorable experience that?visitors can take home with them. We’re a company striving to take a step in a direction not like the rest of the pack and find unique and innovative ways to enhance our fresh in-house made product every day.
What is your favourite meal to cook when you?re hosting a brunch at home?
Two things are a favourite on my menu when I host. Eggs benny and waffles. I feel like they’re just great classic items and if made properly can always please a crowd.
What inspired you to be a chef?
Being a chef to me isn’t always about the cooking aspect. What inspires me about being a chef is that I can live in a world where I get to immerse myself with two passions: food and people. I am inherently a teacher at heart, and love to develop future leaders in our company. On top of that I get to play a huge part in the flawless execution of our menu, day in, day out. Everyday I am proud to put on my uniform and represent a company that believes in living large purposeful lives, filled with fun.
Who do you love cooking for?
Everyone! The?pleasures I take from cooking don’t fall amongst a specific crowd. All I look for when cooking for anyone is that they’re absolutely happy with the meal and have a great experience with it.
What is your favourite meal of the day? Why?
To be honest, brunch! I have a severe case of ?sweet tooth, but I also love savory meals. I feel like?brunch gives me great options for both worlds.?Plus, I find brunch to be served during the perfect time of the day, not too early nor too late.
How would you describe the kitchen staff that you work with ?
Family. Here at Earls, we strive to build strong relationships with our partners in order to create a culture of team-work and passion. Coming into work and being able to stand beside this group of chefs everday on the front line, is nothing short of inspirational.
Thank you, Chef!
Want?to experience?a meal?at Earls??Here is your chance! Our friend, Vancouver Foodie, is?hosting a simple giveaway on her?Instagram?for?one person to win?a Chefs Table Dining Experience for four?to Earls, so head on over to @VancouverFoodie?for the?details to eneter. To follow along Vancouver Foodie?s Robson eating adventure, or to show us your?favourite dishes,?use?hashtag #eatrobson. Bon appetite, everyone!
Photo by Emma Choo