Our Team

	Restaurant Director	Stephan Cachard
	Restaurant Manager	Tara Thom
	Wine Director + Restaurant Manager	Andrea Vescovi
	Bar Manager	Keith Trusler

Stephan Cachard
Restaurant Director

Steeped in the culinary traditions of his native France, Stephan Cachard's pursuit of perfection is instilled in his service team, who maintain the standard of excellence that has become synonymous with Blue Water Cafe.

A hospitality graduate at one of France's top catering schools 'the Osny', Stephan’s prestigious resumé travels through some of the world’s finest properties including the Michelin-starred restaurants, luxury hotels and exclusive private clubs of Paris and London: Les Saveurs, the Hyde Park Hotel, master chef Nico Ladenis's Simply Nico, the Savoy's Simpsons in the Strand, and the Rags Club in Mayfair.

At helm of Yaletown's Blue Water Cafe since 2002, Stephan thrives on the fast pace and daily challenges that the dynamic environment brings to the table. Vibrant and charismatic, he is dedicated to every detail of the dining experience and strives towards creating "magical experiences for our guests".

Tara Thom
Restaurant Manager

Tara’s restaurant career began at the age of ten in her father’s hotel and pub 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.

Tara has worked in management positions at some of Vancouver’s best known restaurants, including a three year term at Blue Water Cafe’s sister property, West. She then became general manager of Gastropod, which was recognized with Vancouver magazine’s ‘Best New Restaurant’ award, and then led the team through the restaurant’s transition to Maenam and subsequent recognition as ‘Best Thai’ restaurant in 2010.

Tara has now rejoined Top Table, and brings her extensive experience in wine, food and service to add to Blue Water Cafe’s multiple award-winning team. Her natural enthusiasm shines through, or as she says, “I have always loved orchestrating the perfect night, the constant changes and adaptations, and conducting the music!”

Andrea Vescovi
Wine Director + Restaurant Manager

Born in Rome, Italy 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.

Naturally gravitating to a career in hospitality, Andrea brought his experience to Blue Water Cafe in 2001 after working at several leading restaurants in Vancouver and Whistler. He has worked since then to build the restaurant’s diverse, value-driven cellar, which is widely recognized as one of Canada’s finest. He strives to convey to each table both a sense of taste and occasion, ensuring that guest experiences are optimized.

"Wine is an integral part of the dining experience," notes Vescovi. "We search to include lesser-known boutique wines alongside the most sought-after labels and collectable finds. We strive to have something for everyone."

Sommelier of the Year, Vancouver Playhouse International Wine Festival, 2009
Top 40 Foodies Under 40, Western Living magazine, 2009

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.

Keith also oversees one of the country’s most impressive collections of scotch whiskies with over 170 labels—including 125 aged and rare single malts—and is up-the-minute on new artisanal releases of elusive gin, vodka, sake and bourbon offerings.