Catching Up With Victoria’s Chef Aleks Kornat
Tomorrow nine of British Columbia’s top chefs will head to Victoria to compete in Canada’s Great Kitchen Party, the regional qualifier for the Canadian Culinary Championships. We’re learning a little bit about them before they compete. Here we throw a few questions out to Victoria’s Chef Aleks Kornats
Tell us a little bit about your restaurant and/or style of cooking.
I work for the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia. We are the ceremonial home of all British Columbians and play host to a variety of events and private dining throughout the year. The events range from private meals with Ambassadors or Consul Generals, Awards Ceremonies for Police, Public Servants in the Government and special medal presentations to deserving British Columbians and Canadians. We even played host to the Royal Family when they came for a visit in 2016. We primarily focus on using as much local, fresh BC products that we have available in our own backyard, but are always using global influences to produce the best that the province has to offer.
Where do you eat in your city?
There are many great places to pick when it comes to dining out in Victoria…I try to spend most of my time picking smaller restaurants as they always have the best atmosphere and I like to support the local business.
What would be your ideal food day?
Spending it with my wife in New York! What a great city for eating as there are many fantastic restaurants to choose from. Some of my favorites are Buvette in Greenwich Village, Los Tacos No1 in Chelsea Market, Momofuku Noodle Bar in East Village, Eataly for some Wine & Charcuterie and also can’t forget Shake Shack in the Flat Iron District. There are so many fantastic places to eat…just can’t name them all…it might take a full page!
What ingredient do you always have on hand?
I always have some great Fleur de Sel from Salt Spring Sea Salt Co. and some good Olive Oil. Can’t forget the great local BC wines that we have in our cellar to use for culinary dishes.
What’s your go-to recipe when you’re eating at home?
I’m pretty simple when it comes to eating at home….I am a true meat & potatoes type of chef. Just a great steak, roasted mushrooms and a potato dish…I’m happy. We also like to cook butter chicken, curried potato and lentils. One of the other favs in our house is a cheesy, hot French Onion Soup….a go to in the winter months.
What cookbook would you suggest for a gift for your foodie friends this year?
So many to pick from…..The newest one that I have is called the Flavor Matrix by James Briscione….the book uses science of pairing common items to create some fantastic dishes. I also would recommend having the good old classic Le Repertoire de la Cuisine in the collection of cookbooks, where would we be if we didn’t have the classics?
Any hints on what dish you will be preparing for Great Kitchen Party?
All I will say about the dish is that we are using game meats, earthy flavors and a some local products.
Who is coming with you?
I am bringing my team from my kitchen to the event as well as the fantastic team from Category 12 Brewing and my personal support team, my wife.
Aleks Kornat
Mr. Aleks Kornat was appointed Executive Chef for the Lieutenant Governor of Government House in August of 2014. Prior to this, he was the Executive Chef at the Delta Vancouver Suites Hotel in Downtown Vancouver.
Before coming to Government House, Chef Aleks Kornat honed his culinary skills in various kitchens throughout Vancouver and the Okanagan. Aleks started his culinary career in Kelowna where he obtained his Red Seal Certificate at Okanagan College in 1999. He furthered his knowledge of the culinary culture in destinations that included Marriott Hotels & Resorts, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, Rosewood Hotels & Resorts, Delta Hotels & Resorts, and also as a Culinary Instructor at The Art Institute of Vancouver. He is currently studying for his Certified Chef de Cuisine designation.
Chef Aleks Kornat is responsible for all culinary creations at Government House using globally inspired methods and locally sourced products from British Columbia whilst pairing meals with Lieutenant Governors Wine Awards winning British Columbia Wines. In early 2018, Aleks received a Vice Regal Commendation from 29th Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, Judith Guichon for his dedicated service and culinary to the Office of the Lieutenant Governor.
