Wild Blue Restaurant’s Neil Henderson and Chef Alex Chen announce the appointment of Derek Bendig as Executive Chef
Wild Blue Restaurant welcomes Chef Bendig whose prestigious awards include four gold medal placings for Food Day Canada and a Best Whistler Restaurant Award from Vancouver Magazine. Food and wine enthusiasts will recognize Chef Bendig’s name from his time representing Canada at James Beard House in New York City and for his work at a two Michelin star restaurant in France. Chef Bendig will also bring his years of experience as Executive Sous Chef at Fairmont Chateau Whistler.
Known for marrying his innovative approach to hyper-local, seasonal ingredients and his passion for wine, Chef Bendig has recently completed his WSET level 4 exams, one of the highest levels of wine and spirit education.
Restaurant Director Neil Henderson says, “We are so pleased to bring such a passionate individual to our great team. Adding his superb culinary skills is one thing, but combining his serious wine credentials is something rare indeed. We couldn’t be more excited to have Chef Bendig at Wild Blue”.
Working in collaboration with Chef Alex Chen, Bendig will be at the forefront of the culinary team at Wild Blue. Chen comments, “Chef Bendig’s wealth of knowledge and experience will harmonize our culinary team. His understanding of our local west coast, seasonal ingredients, combined with a classic French and European culinary sensibility, make for the total culinary package”.
ABOUT WILD BLUE RESTAURANT + BAR
Noted as “The Most Important Whistler Restaurant Opening in a Decade” by Vancouver Magazine, Wild Blue Restaurant + Bar focuses on elevated Pacific Northwest cuisine, sustainable seafood, and local ingredients. Partners of the restaurant include Neil Henderson, award-winning Restaurant Director, Chef Alex Chen, winner of Iron Chef and Chef of the Year by Vancouver Magazine and Jack Evrensel, Restaurant Hall of Fame inductee, Founder, and former operator of Toptable Group. Situated in the heart of the pedestrian-friendly Whistler Village, Wild Blue Restaurant + Bar is located at 4005 Whistler Way. It is adjacent to the Aava Hotel and across from the Whistler Conference Centre in its own stand-alone building with dedicated parking. The restaurant boasts seating for 150 guests indoors, plus a private dining room, raw bar, and open kitchen, as well as an expansive lounge and cocktail bar. In the summer, guests can expect to enjoy their après and dinner al fresco on Wild Blue’s outdoor patios.
Wild Blue Restaurant + Bar is preparing for a June 2022 opening. More information can be found online at www.wildbluerestaurant.com and on social media at @wildbluerestaurant.
