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Powell River chef returns to roots

Chris Harvey brings international experience to Town Centre Hotel
Powell River chef Chris Harvey

Being hired to lead the kitchen at Powell River Town Centre Hotel has been a homecoming for chef Chris Harvey.

Growing up in Powell River, Harvey says he always had a love for cooking, but it wasn’t until he was studying cooking at Brooks Secondary School that he was hooked.

“Combining creativity, hard work, attention to detail, meeting deadlines, and customer service, along with all the other little aspects of being a chef, I knew right away that it was what I wanted to do as a career,” says Harvey.

He graduated from Brooks and went to Vancouver Island University, then known as Malaspina University College, on scholarship for its culinary arts program.

Harvey graduated from cooking school in 2004. Despite being out of school for a few years, he says working as a chef has allowed him to keep gaining knowledge.

“The most important aspect I have taken from being a chef is that you’re always learning,” says Harvey.

Like many young professionals who grow up in small towns, Harvey felt the draw of the big city to pursue his career, which has taken him to kitchens around the globe and back, first to Calgary then to Australia and the United Kingdom. He says his philosophy toward cooking is to prepare and serve food that is simple, although not simplistic, and emphasizes fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

“Simple food, done well, is always the best food,” he adds.

Two of Harvey’s favourite dishes include fettuccine pasta made with homemade pesto, cream and grilled chicken, and classic English pub fare bangers and mash with onion gravy.

“Comfort food, at its best,” he says.

Harvey says the most rewarding part of being a chef is making sure and hearing that his customers are happy with their meals.

“I believe most chefs undertake cooking as a career as it provides an outlet for creativity, and there is a constant feeling of reward when your food and flavours, ideas and presentation are recognized and appreciated by the customers you serve every day,” says Harvey.

Customer service is of primary importance for staff at the Garden Court Restaurant and TC’s Pub in Town Centre Hotel.

Harvey says one of his goals is to keep all of the Garden Court’s valued regular customers coming back but also build and grow the business at TC’s pub.

“It’s exciting to face the challenge of helping this business grow, and trying to attract new customers, as well as continuing to keep our loyal customers happy, all while creating food that is fun and approachable for everyone around town.”

Harvey says he feels quite lucky to have the chance to showcase what TC’s and the Garden Court can bring to the table.

“I’m currently trying to involve local suppliers and source out local products, as I believe there’s a lot more to Powell River on offer than meets the eye.”

Since coming back to Powell River with his family, Harvey says he has been catching up with old friends, exploring the town and seeing what’s new.

“I just feel like this is such a great community in which to raise kids,” he says. “Powell River is definitely on the rise and it’s not the hidden gem it had been for so many years before.”

Harvey adds that he hopes the greater influence of tourism on the local economy will help more young people discover careers in cooking like he did.

“There’s a constant need for new chefs, so hopefully myself, alongside others, can help inspire a new wave of chefs to join the VIU program,” says Harvey.

The Garden Court Restaurant, located inside Town Centre Hotel, 4660 Joyce Avenue, is open daily for breakfast and lunch from 7 am to 2 pm. TC’s Pub is open from noon to midnight, Monday to Thursday, and from noon to 1 am on Friday and Saturday nights. The pub’s kitchen is open until 9 pm.

More information about Town Centre Hotel, Garden Court Restaurant or TC’s Pub can be found at prtowncentrehotel.com or by calling 604.485.3000.