The Fairmont Empress Hotel has a new face at the head of its culinary department with Morgan Wilson stepping into the role of executive chef overseeing more than 80 staff. Wilson, a Langley native, intends to let Vancouver Island influence the food at the Empress and has started introducing his menus in the hotel’s various venues. He has done the Bengal Lounge and expects to complete other venues by mid-November.
Wilson describes his culinary style as one without borders, always evolving and incorporating international influences, and he believes great cuisine involves two simple ingredients: top quality products with flawless technique. Wilson, a second generation chef, was introduced to the kitchen in 1987 through an after- school job.
Most recently he was working at the Marriott Toronto Downtown Eaton Centre and over the years has crafted his talent and passion with stops at Delta, Marriott and Four Seasons hotels in Germany, Australia and Canada.
He is a certified Chef de Cuisine and a Bocuse d’Or Laureate, having represented Canada in Lyon, France in 2005. Wilson is one of eight chefs on Team Canada who will be participating in the Dubai World Hospitality Championship, Nov. 17-19.
Tech lawyer joins local firm
Anand Athiviraham has joined the law firm of Farris Vaughn Wills & Murphy, specializing in technology issues such as licensing agreements and contracts. He moved to Victoria from Kitchener Ont., where he worked for Gowling Lafleur Henderson LLP. Call 250-405-1986.
New members for arts society
The Canadian Heritage Arts Society, owner and operator of the Canadian College of Performing Arts, has elected three new members to its board of directors — lawyer Kelly Orr, architect Rod Windjack and retired arts educator Ray Spencer.
Marguerite Rowe, executive director of continuing health services with Island Health, was re-elected and will serve as secretary.
Others members of the executive include president Heather Jeliazkov, vice-president Keith Elwood, treasurer Kent Fullarton and board members Barry Bowman, John Krich, Linda Mae Ross, Alan Gregory and Heather Roberts.
