On one of the most picturesque nights, Vancouver shined a bit brighter. The reason for the extra wattage? The MICHELIN Guide Ceremony which took place at the Fairmont Pacific Rim set along the city's stunning waterfront. As guests and honorees like Joël Watanabe and Justin Isidro of One MICHELIN Star Kissa Tanto and J-C Poirier of One MICHELIN Star St. Lawrence arrived in style exiting from electric Mercedes-Benz models, they were greeted by emcee Mijune Pak, dressed for autumn in an optic white opera coat and floral midi dress, and Allen Ren of One MICHELIN Star of iDen & QuanJuDe Beijing Duck House.
Between the cars, the canapés—think Cinco Jotas ham, local oysters from Fanny Bay Farms, Petrossian caviar—and the cocktails from The Glenlivet, chefs including the team from newly crowned One MICHELIN Star Okeya Kyujiro took in the scene including snapping selfies in front of the living photo walls peppered with neon Stars and planning fantasy itineraries with Air Canada.
However, as the lights dimmed and the evening started, Royce Chwin, President and CEO of Destination Vancouver proceeded to allay any nerves with an uplifting moment of cheer, before Pak kicked off the festivities. After a performance and remarks from the Eagle Song Dancers, it was time for the special awards. Max Curzon-Price of Suyo nabbed the Exceptional Cocktail award; Kelcie Jones of One MICHELIN Star Burdock & Co. was named Sommelier of the Year; while British Columbia native Warren Chow of Wildlight Kitchen + Bar was presented with the Young Chef award by Mercedes-Benz Canada Vice President, Chief Marketing and Digital Officer Nikhil Ondhia.
After snaps with Bibendum, it was time for Pak to announce the selection including Delara's Bardia Ilbeiggi, before doling out the Bib Gourmands. Crowd favorites Lunch Lady and Phnom Penh returned to applause before the crowd, on pins and needles, waited anxiously to hear the evening's final distinctions, the Stars.
Each of the previous eight One Star restaurants retained their Star while the aforementioned Okeya Kyujiro joined the illustrious club. (Side note: our Inspectors fave dish at the spot is the Fish Tempura and Pressed Mackerel Sushi Course). And, with a champagne toast and a wave from Bibendum, the evening came to a close with a sparkling finish.
Hero image: Okeya Kyujiro team and Mijune Pak - Zach Hilty/BFA.com
All photos: Zach Hilty/BFA.com
