A Comox Valley chef will soon join other culinary legions in the BC Restaurant Hall of Fame.
On Oct. 7, Ronald St. Pierre of Locals Restaurant will be in the class of inductees. By being inducted in the Hall of Fame, St. Pierre joins industry legends from across the province including Rob Feenie (Cactus Restaurants), Andre St. Jacques (Bearfoot Bistro), Jim Treliving (Boston Pizza), Vikram Vij (Vij’s) and Harry McWatters (Encore Vineyards).
The BC Restaurant Hall of Fame is a peer-nominated and peer-voted award.
Induction into the Hall of Fame recognizes that an individual has reached a level of professionalism and excellence that not only customers but also fellow restaurateurs recognize.
The award celebrates leadership and dedication to making the British Columbia restaurant and foodservice industries world-class.
Ronald St. Pierre, owner/chef of Locals Restaurant, is being honoured as a Local Champion.
St. Pierre’s commitment to local is proudly displayed on his seasonal menus, his wine list and in his supplier relationships.
The award is celebrating his steadfast belief that locally sourced food tastes better, lasts longer, has an economic benefit and provides for a unique customer experience. St. Pierre’s support for small-scale farmers, foragers and producers allow him to make a significant economic contribution to his community.
This, together with his consistent volunteerism and willingness to always step up to help events in the Comox Valley a success, makes St. Pierre a perfect fit for this award.
The BC Restaurant and Food Services Association’s partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture on the Buy BC: Eat Drink Local program has emphasized the enormous footprint of supporting local food and beverage is. It’s not just about supporting the restaurant operator, but their farmers, foragers and harvesters too.
The impact is felt with trucking companies and secondary processors. It allows investments in new systems, supports crop diversity and educates consumers about what is grown and produced here.
“When the BCRFA started the program two years ago, we knew we needed to connect local leadership with our Hall of Fame awards,” says president and CEO Ian Tostenson.
“Ronald’s leadership in provided a local food and beverage experience that can be measured in blocks and miles to the plate makes us proud to recognize his constant pursuit of excellence and passion. His hard work connects us with the bounty of our province and that makes us all proud British Columbians.”
John Watson, executive director of Comox Valley Economic Development and Tourism agrees.
“Ronald’s many incredible years in the restaurant industry has played a significant role in establishing the Comox Valley’s reputation as a culinary destination. He is a pioneer in the farm to fork movement for the Island.
“He has given his time tirelessly to building and expanding culinary events including the BC Seafood Festival and the Comox Valley Dine Around Festival and always supports the regions efforts to become a culinary powerhouse with a focus on regional producers and Chefs. We are so pleased to see him recognized for his leadership.”
The Hall of Fame event is open to all restaurant and foodservice professionals. The BCRFA proudly donates a portion of the evening’s proceeds to the BC Hospitality Foundation as a way to give back to the people who make the industry world-class.
Early bird tickets for the Oct. 7 gala are now available for purchase online or by phone: 604-669-2239 www.bcrfa.com or www.bcrfahalloffame.com.
