Yoshiya Maruyama

Raw Bar Chef

Yoshiya’s culinary resumé is studded with some of the finest sushi and traditional Japanese restaurants in his native Japan and Vancouver. A native of Yokohama, Yoshiya undertook his apprenticeship at Tokyo’s Sushi Kagetsu for seven years before serving as assistant chef at Ecchu. Working in close partnership with Executive Chef Frank Pabst, Yoshiya is true to the Japanese culinary aesthetic of pure, clean flavours.

Fastidious with his preparation and presentation techniques, Yoshiya also focuses on the sourcing of the freshest seafood products. “In the realm of sushi,” he says, “there is simply no hiding—my craft is about my need for perfection.”

Jean-Pierre Sanchez

Pastry Chef

Jean-Pierre holds both his Professional Apprentice Certificate and Masters degree as chef de pâtisserie, accredited after many years of apprenticeship and professional development in his native France.

He held the position of pâtissier for 11 years in Le Cours Mazan and Bornes les Mimosas in France. He worked with Gerard Moyne Bressand in Nimes, and subsequently as Executive Pastry Chef in a number of world-class properties, including the Michelin-rated Chewton Glen Hotel in Hampshire and the Grosvenor House Hotel in London.

At the helm of Blue Water Cafe’s pastry kitchen since 2005, Jean-Pierre’s desserts, breads, chocolates and petits fours are all made fresh daily.

Stephan Cachard

Restaurant Director

Steeped in the culinary traditions of his native France, Stephan Cachard’s sense of true hospitality is instilled in his service team, who maintain the standard of excellence synonymous with Blue Water Cafe.

A graduate of one of France’s top catering schools, “the Osny”, Stephan’s resumé travels through some of the world’s finest properties including Michelin-starred restaurants, luxury hotels and exclusive private clubs of Paris and London. At the helm of Blue Water Cafe since 2002, Stephan is dedicated to every detail, ultimately creating a memorable dining experience for each of his guests.

Andrea Vescovi

Wine Director

Born in Rome into a family of chefs and vintners, Andrea realized at an early age that the celebration of food and wine brings joy and goodwill to the dinner table.

Andrea brought his passion and knowledge to Blue Water Cafe in 2001 after working at several leading restaurants in Vancouver and Whistler. Since then, he has built the restaurant’s diverse, value-driven cellar, which is widely recognized as one of Canada’s finest. “Wine is an integral part of the dining experience,” notes Vescovi, “we strive to have something for everyone.”

• Sommelier of the Year
• Vancouver Playhouse International Wine Festival, 2009

TARA THOM

Restaurant Manager

Tara’s restaurant career began at the age of ten in her father’s hotel on British Columbia’s northern west coast. Graduating from the Tourism Training Institute of British Columbia, she has also completed her wine studies diploma through North America’s renowned International Sommelier Guild. Having worked at other well-known Vancouver restaurants including West, she brings extensive experience in wine, food and service to Blue Water Cafe’s award-winning team.

KEITH TRUSLER

Bar Manager

Intrigued by a craft steeped in history and imbued with a character that defied prohibition, years of experience ‘behind the stick’ have earned Keith Trusler a reputation for quenching the palates—and thirsts—of his many regulars as well as the out-of-town visitors.

The bar manager at Blue Water Cafe, Keith’s relentless devotion to sourcing the finest premium spirits and ingredients has led to a neatly-balanced cocktail list that pays homage to the classics of the past while showcasing newer innovations.