Our next interview is with Chef Mark Filatow from Kelowna who’s also on his way to Victoria to compete in Gold Medal Plates Culinary Competition.  He’s competed before and taken the gold so it could be a repeat performance if all goes well! Filatow answered a few questions about ingredients he always has on hand, and who’s coming with him.

Tell us a little bit about your restaurant and/or style of cooking.

We really focus on the seasons and use our travels and research to combine for new ideas. 

What trend do you wish would die?

Picture perfect food that tastes like nothing!

What ingredient do you always have on hand?

Salt

What’s your go-to recipe when you’re eating at home? 

Pizza…or meatballs 

What equipment do you wish you had in your kitchen?

Wood Oven 

Any hints on what dish you will be preparing for Gold Medal Plates?

Worldy Inspired, locally sourced .

What wine/beer/libation are you pairing with this year?

Tantalus 2014 Chardonnay 

Who is coming with you?

Pretty much the entire kitchen!

Bio – Mark Filatow – Executive Chef & Sommelier

With over twenty years of experience, Mark Filatow represents the pinnacle of culinary excellence and is the driving force behind Waterfront Restaurant and Wine Bar. After graduating with honours from the Dubrulle Culinary Institute, Mark honed his culinary skills at some of the most prestigious restaurants in BC including Tofino’s Wickaninnish Inn, Vancouver’s Bishops and Diva at the Met and Kelowna’s Fresco Restaurant.

In 2001 Mark was accepted into the coveted Sommelier Guild, making him one of the only chefs in Canada with this level of skill in food and wine pairing. By 2005 Mark’s culinary prowess was acknowledged by Enroute Magazine when they recognized Waterfront Restaurant & Wine Bar as one of Canada’s best new restaurants. With these awards and continual stream of industry accolades from Vancouver Magazine, The Calgary Herald, San Francisco Chronicle, Eat Magazine and more, Mark still manages to keep his feet on the ground… and in the kitchen as Executive Chef/Sommelier of Waterfront Restaurant & Wine Bar.

Recent Accolades:

• Western Living Magazine – “Top Foodies under 40″
• Vancouver Magazine Restaurant Awards
• “Gold” Best Restaurant in the Okanagan – 8 years running (2009 – 2016)
• Southbrook Award for Food Day Canada – “Best Wine Paired Menu”
• Recommended in Phaidon’s New Restaurant Guide “Where Chefs Eat”
• Winner 2012 Vancouver Gold Medal Plates
• Food Day Canada – University of Guelph, Good Food Innovation Award 2013 & 2014