Manager, Wildflower Restaurant and Mallard Lounge
Photos and questions by Maureen Provençal
PQ: What’s your food/wine philosophy?
JR: People should eat and drink what they like. People should try new things but not feel pressured. It’s about enjoying yourself. It should be an experience that stimulates all of your senses.
PQ: One food you can’t live without?
JR: Broccoli.
PQ: One ingredient you can’t live without?
JR: Crushed chilies.
PQ: What food/drink should people be more open to trying?
JR: Champagne and salty food.
PQ: Weirdest thing you’ve ever eaten?
JR: I’m pretty sure I ate chocolate-covered crickets after a few drinks one time.
PQ: Most memorable meal you’ve ever eaten?
JR: Brunch the morning after I got married at the Fairmont Chateau Montebello.
PQ: What kept you involved in the restaurant industry?
JR: The first time someone said thank you and I knew I’d created a memory for them.
PQ: What’s your solution for a last-minute meal?
JR: Homemade pizza and spinach salad.
PQ: Best trend in food/restaurants?
JR: Marriage of food and wine and matched menus.
PQ: Worst trend in food/restaurants?
JR: Canadianization of authentic cultural foods.
PQ: Greatest professional moment?
JR: When Prime Minister Jean Chretien did his national press release on the mad cow crisis at my restaurant while eating a steak on the patio.
PQ: Where would you go to eat if you could go anywhere in the world?
JR: My mother-in-law’s.
PQ: Where would you go for your last meal in Whistler?
JR: The Wildflower.
PQ: What brought you to Whistler?
JR: Fairmont.
PQ: Personal hero.
JR: My mom.
