OUR CULINARY & SERVICE EXPERTS

Chef Alex Kim, the 2025 Canadian Culinary Champion and a finalist on Top Chef Canada Season 12, is Chef and Co-Owner of Five Sails, a Vancouver dining institution for over 30 years. He brings competitive excellence and thoughtful leadership to the restaurant, creating refined dining experiences rooted in seasonality and place.

Born and raised in Seoul, South Korea, Alex developed his passion for food during summers on his grandmother’s farm. Surrounded by peaches, grapes, and rice, he learned to respect ingredients from the ground up. Her intuitive approach to selecting produce and meticulous fermentation practices shaped his appreciation for fresh, local ingredients.

Alex honed his craft in prestigious kitchens, including Fairmont Hotels, Shangri-La, and Market by Jean-Georges, working alongside talented chefs from diverse culinary backgrounds. These experiences broadened his perspective and shaped a style that balances classical technique with global influences.

As Chef and Co-Owner of Five Sails, Alex oversees the entire operation, from culinary direction and menu development to team leadership and the overall guest experience. He champions sustainability through close partnerships with local farmers and fishermen, creating menus that showcase the vibrant flavours of British Columbia.

With a clear vision and unwavering commitment to excellence, Alex continues to elevate Five Sails with thoughtful Pacific Northwest cuisine infused with Korean flair, exceptional ingredients, and a deep commitment to sustainability.

Originally from Vancouver, Kathleen has been working in hospitality her whole life, back and forth across Canada with time in Toronto, Prince Edward County, Victoria and now back in Vancouver. She’s opened 15 restaurants, including award-winning ‘Best New Restaurants’ Fat Pasha and Momofuku in Toronto and Marilena in Victoria. She has a penchant for vintage barware, and when she’s not working in restaurants, she can usually be found cooking, eating and drinking – with her partner and 2 dogs in tow.

With a passion for precision, innovation, and artistry, Chef Juan Ruiz-Torres brings a world-class pedigree to his role as Chef de Cuisine at Five Sails. His culinary journey has taken him through the kitchens of some of the most revered restaurants including the three-Michelin-starred Alinea in Chicago and the legendary El Celler de Can Roca in Girona, Spain, once crowned the #1 restaurant in the world by The World’s 50 Best Restaurants.

Known for his refined techniques and deep respect for ingredients, Chef Ruiz-Torres fuses contemporary elegance with Pacific Northwest sensibilities, crafting menus that are both globally inspired and locally grounded. His leadership at Five Sails reflects a commitment to excellence, delivering an elevated dining experience that celebrates innovation, sustainability, and the vibrant culinary landscape of Vancouver.

With over a decade of experience in luxury hospitality, Katherine has built her career in Michelin-recognized restaurants and five-star hotels across Hong Kong and Vancouver. Holding a WSET Level 2 Award in Wines, she brings a thoughtful appreciation of food, wine, and genuine hospitality to every guest interaction.

At Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, Katherine further developed her leadership in luxury hotel dining, gaining valuable experience within Vancouver’s diverse culinary landscape while strengthening her expertise in service excellence and team development.

As Service Director at Five Sails, Katherine is passionate about creating memorable dining experiences through personalized, attentive service. She believes exceptional hospitality goes beyond food and wine, ensuring every guest feels genuinely welcomed, cared for, and at home.

Born in Taiwan and raised in Vancouver, Robert Lee brings international experience and a local perspective to his role as Sous Chef at Five Sails. His career includes Michelin-starred restaurants in San Francisco and Taiwan, where he developed a strong foundation in classical technique and a deep respect for quality ingredients.

Inspired by his Taiwanese heritage, Robert enjoys blending global flavours with British Columbia’s exceptional seasonal produce. He has worked alongside Culinary Director Alex Kim for the past six years, sharing a passion for thoughtful cooking and memorable dining experiences. At Five Sails, he is proud to be part of a team that celebrates local ingredients, craftsmanship, and genuine hospitality.

Accomplished wine professional with over 20 years of experience across vineyard management, winemaking, Michelin-starred restaurants, wine importing, and business development in France, the United Kingdom, and Canada.

Began his wine career at 16, studying wine production, oenology, and vineyard management. Built extensive expertise in fine dining and luxury hospitality, including seven years as Assistant General Manager and Wine Director/Sommelier at one-Michelin-starred Restaurant Le Vivier, three years at La Bastide de Gordes, over two years at two-Michelin-starred La Bastide de Capelongue, and six years as Head Sommelier at Hawksworth Restaurant and Market by Jean-Georges in Vancouver.

Expertise includes wine purchasing, cellar management, food and wine pairing, staff training, restaurant leadership, and delivering exceptional guest experiences.

Ellie’s journey into hospitality began with a bold career shift from law school to the restaurant floor, driven by a deep passion for people, culture, and unforgettable experiences. She quickly found her purpose in fine dining, working her way through some of Toronto’s most exciting restaurants and building a strong foundation in service, operations, and guest connection.

With over 7 years in the industry, Ellie believes that restaurants are more than just places to eat. They are the backdrop to some of life’s most meaningful moments. She is inspired by the magic of hospitality: thoughtful service, genuine connection, and the ability to leave a lasting impression on every guest.

In early 2025, Ellie moved to Vancouver to join Five Sails, drawn by a shared commitment to excellence, creativity, and heart. She is proud to be part of a team that celebrates elevated dining while making every guest feel truly seen and cared for.

With more than a decade of experience in hospitality, Tatiana brings a polished and professional approach to event sales at Five Sails. Her background spans luxury resort operations, strategic planning, and event management, with a strong foundation built through leadership roles at prominent properties in Lebanon.

Since joining Glowbal Restaurant Group in 2023, Tatiana has led private dining and event sales at Five Sails, where her attention to detail and commitment to excellence have made her a trusted resource for corporate and social clients alike. Whether coordinating an intimate celebration or a high-profile gathering, she is known for her warm approach, creative eye, and dedication to flawless execution.