On the Grill

  

With Chef Josh Wolfe - GLOWBAL COLLECTION

Josh Wolfe is Corporate Area Chef at THE GLOWBAL COLLECTION, overseeing kitchen operations at Black+Blue and COAST. A Toronto native, Josh began his cooking career at Centro Grill and Wine Bar in Toronto. While completing his apprenticeship at Centro, he learned the speed and precision necessary to cater fine dining to upwards of 300 guests. Promoted to Sous-Chef at Toronto’s The Fifth, Josh refined his cooking and honed his management skills. While Josh’s training is classical, his inspiration is contemporary and his style fuelled by both products and seasons.

Josh is also the owner of Vancouver’s popular food cart, Fresh Local Wild.

Three words to describe your cuisine:
Simple, classic and intentional

Your signature dish:
STEAK!

The dish customers must try during Dine Out?
Who doesn’t like bacon and eggs? Black+Blue’s Dine Out menu features a delicious starter -- thick cut double smoked bacon with a fried duck egg, spicy maple syrup and wild arugula.

Best thing about Dine Out Vancouver?
Getting to meet so many new people. I can’t wait. I hope everyone comes to say hi when they come in!

A restaurant you’d like to check out during Dine Out?
I love bistro-style restaurants and I’ve never eaten at Pastis, so I have it on my list.

What is one thing in your kitchen you could not live without?
My Sous Chefs!

One ingredient you could not cook without?
Vinegar.

Who is the unsung hero in your kitchen?
Michelle Bothello – Sous Chef is a tough job.

Who inspired you to become a chef?
Plucking chickens with my Grandmother is way up there on the list.

If you could give just one cooking tip, what would it be?
Forget about the ‘high’ setting on your burners. It’s just too hot for most things.

A talent you possess that many are unaware of?
I am learning to play guitar… look out Clapton!

Your favourite activities/hobbies, when not in the kitchen?
What’s that? There’s 20 cm of snow in Whistler…. I’ve got to go!

What is your all-time favourite dish?
Gratinee de Saumon Sauvage (or anything with foie gras)

One dish you never care to see on a menu again?
What’s the deal with wild rice stuffed in a chicken breast anyway?

Most over-rated dish:
Lobster anything. I just don’t get what the big deal is?

Last restaurant you visited?
The Oakwood Canadian Bistro

Who is your favourite local chef?
My buddy Quang Dang is up there on the list.

Favourite bartender?
I like the cute ones (please don’t ask me to choose one).

Favourite Pastry Chef?
Bertrand Alépée, a friend of mine from Toronto.

Favourite farmer’s market:
I live near Kits so… but nothing beats the one in Barbados.

Favourite food truck:
Mine! Fresh Local Wild!

Favourite foodie?
Jacob Richler, Toronto-based contributor for Maclean’s magazine.

A talent you possess that many are unaware of?
I’m a singer and not just in the shower!

One thing your mother doesn’t know about you?
I tell my Mom everything.

A person you most admire?
My Mom. Hardest working person I know… and she’s always right!

Your biggest indulgence:
Sour cream glazed doughnut dipped in a black coffee.

Biggest regret?
I once missed a trip to Europe to cook with Bernard Loiseau. Now he’s gone…

A “hidden gem” in the restaurant scene:
There’s a gas station out in the valley near Mission that makes a great sandwich. It’s a great ride on the motorcycle to get there too.

bBest place for Indian food?
I love Rangoli. Those kebobs rule!

Best place for a cheeseburger?
Would you hate me if I told you I didn’t like cheese on my burgers??

Best coffee house?
That might be the toughest question… Caffé Artigiano? 49th Parallel?

Biggest celebrity you have cooked for?
Probably Bono but Bill Clinton runs a close second.

If you could pick anyone, who would you’d like to sit down and have a meal with?
Trey Anastasio – rock star.

Last $20 bucks, how would you spend it?
A coffee, a map of the mountains and the rest in fuel, I love driving!

A restaurant you’d recommend to a tourist who only had one day in Vancouver?
I think COAST is one of the best ways to ‘see’ Vancouver.

Black+Blue
1032 Alberni St., Vancouver
604-637-0777
www.glowbalgroup.com/blackblue

Coast
1054 Alberni St., Vancouver
604-685-5010
www.coastrestaurant.ca