On the Grill

With Chef Dino Gazzola - The Observatory Restaurant on Grouse Mountain

Born and raised in Vancouver, Chef Dino L. Gazzola has been offering his Italian-based West Coast inspired cuisine at well-known locations throughout Vancouver. Inspired by his Grandmother Eleonora, Dino seemed destined for a career in the culinary arts. Chef Gazzola attended the British Columbia Institute of Technology Culinary Program and was then offered an apprenticeship at the renowned William Tell Restaurant in Vancouver. During his apprenticeship he had the privilege to work under Executive Chefs Kurt Koun and Lars Trolle Jorgenson. Of even greater significance was the guidance provided by Erwin Doebeli. To have worked for what Chef Gazzola considered the last bastion of true French cuisine and service in Vancouver was an experience without rival.

Upon completion of a 3 ½ year apprenticeship, Chef Gazzola spent a year gaining experience in regional Northern Italian cuisine in the town of his father's birth. He then returned to Vancouver and accepted a Sous-Chef position under Chef Scott Kidd at Cheyna Restaurant in Gastown. Chef Gazzola would again work with Kidd at Lolas, which earned Restaurant of the Year accolades. A position as Executive Sous-Chef at Seasons in the Park Restaurant (later to return as Executive Chef) would follow, leading to a promotion as Executive Chef at the Teahouse Restaurant. He would later assume the position of Executive Chef at Bridges Restaurant for the next 7½ years.

Now at Grouse Mountain, Chef Gazzola is dedicated to sourcing the finest and freshest regional ingredients available, creating memorable dining experiences for the discerning palate

Best part about being a chef?
Inspiring new expectations and possibilities for the less than experienced diner

Three words to describe your cuisine:
Local, fresh and approachable

What makes your restaurant unique from others?
The food rivals the view. The Observatory is truly a one of a kind experience in Vancouver

The dish customers must try during Dine Out?
Pacific cod with smoked brandade, clams, chorizo, chickpeas, paprika cream

What is one thing in your kitchen you could not live without?
The Skyride – the gondola up to the restaurant

One ingredient you could not cook without?
Unsalted butter

Most under-rated vegetable:
Parsnip, the carrots red headed stepchild

If you could give just one cooking tip, what would it be?
Do as I do, not as I say.

A talent you possess that many are unaware of
The ability to retain totally useless information; I am great with trivia, particularly trivia that most people find totally useless.

What is your all-time favourite dish?
My Nonna’s gnocchi.

Favourite Celebrity Chef?
The Swedish Chef from the Muppets.

Who would you like to cook for you?
My Nonna to cook for me one last time

Your biggest indulgence
Celine Dion….no, really, I am a fan. Oh and definitely my family and Heineken

Favorite restaurant you like to visit
It really depends on my mood and frame of mind. I am partial to La Quercia

Best place for a cheap meal
The Island Taco Stand in Waimea on the Island of Kauai, Hawaii. Excellent Wasabi & Ahi fish tacos.

Best place for a beer
Anywhere that serves Heineken but the view and patio at Altitudes Bistro is second to none.

Best place for Chinese food
Golden Pearl Restaurant. Cheap, cheerful and they serve Heineken!

Best dessert place
Thomas Haas

If you could pick anyone, who would you’d like to sit down and have a meal with?
Rene Descarte- “I drink therefore I am” or was that “I think therefore I am”?

A restaurant you’d recommend to a tourist who only had one day in Vancouver.
Vij’s for his exemplary execution and vision of Indian cuisine

The Observatory at Grouse Mountain
6400 Nancy Greene Way, North Vancouver
604-998-5045
text www.grousemountain.com/the-observatory