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Quick bites with

Geoff Weddell

Restaurant and Lounge Manager, The Aubergine Grille and Firerock Lounge

Photos and questions by Maureen Provençal

PQ: What’s your wine philosophy?

GW: Experiment and go with your own personal palette and don’t be intimidated by all things wine. It should be an approachable experience. There is a product for everybody.

PQ: One food you can’t live without?

GW: Bread. Crisp patio white on a hot summer day. Personal favourite red in front of the fire.

PQ: One wine you wouldn’t want to live without?

GW: Whites – Sauvignon blanc. Reds – Cabernet Sauvignon.

PQ: What drink should people be more open to trying?

GW: People should be more open to the suggestion of their server because there are a lot of educated servers in Whistler. And be willing to experiment.

PQ: Weirdest thing you’ve ever eaten?

GW: A stew in Thailand. I don’t know what the protein was and it was the spiciest thing I’ve ever eaten. Eel and Rattlesnake.

PQ: Most memorable meal you’ve ever eaten?

GW: Lumiere Restaurant in Vancouver.

PQ: Exact moment you decided to become a sommelier?

GW: When I moved to Vancouver in 1985. It was my first position at a support level in fine dining. I got drawn into everyone’s passion for food and wine.

PQ: What’s your solution for a last-minute meal?

GW: Pasta and fresh vegetables, Deb’s homemade tomato sauce and fresh bread.

PQ: Best trend in food/restaurants?

GW: Keeping everything regional and organic: Veggies from Pemberton; Vancouver Island Cheese; Saltspring Island goats cheese.

PQ: Worst trend in food/restaurants?

GW: Foams.

PQ: Greatest professional moment?

GW: Travelling in the Napa Valley on the company’s nickel.

PQ: Where would you go to eat if you could go anywhere in the world?

GW: Chez Breyère in old Quebec.

PQ: Where would you go for your last meal in Whistler?

GW: Eating a nice meal at home with family and friends. Good conversation and company and drinking a glass of life.

PQ: What brought you to Whistler?

GW: A very fortunate job transfer.

PQ: Personal hero.

GW: Terry Fox.