Our Team
At Five Sails, we offer an exemplary standard of service for our guests. This is possible by fostering an environment where our team prides itself on executing the best possible dining experience. Learn more about our leadership team here or join us to experience the best hospitality Vancouver has to offer.
Alexandre Blais
RESTAURANT DIRECTOR
With over a decade of experience as a restaurant director, Alexandre has led some of the most prestigious and acclaimed dining establishments in Quebec and beyond. His career has been defined by a commitment to excellence—both in the development of award-winning wine and service programs and in the creation of refined, guest-centered dining experiences.
From the vibrant culinary scene of Quebec City—often considered the epicentre of Canadian gastronomy—to the dynamic restaurant world of Chicago, he has built a reputation by combining operational expertise with a deep passion for hospitality. He has had the privilege of guiding teams to national and international recognition, earning stars, accolades, and industry distinction through visionary leadership and a relentless pursuit of quality.
For him, food and wine are the black and white—the structure, the foundation. Hospitality is the colour—it brings warmth, emotion, and energy to the canvas of every guest experience. At Five Sails, this philosophy comes to life through unforgettable culinary journeys that balance precision, creativity, and genuine human connection.
Lucy Faktor
RESTAURANT MANAGER
Lucy brings over 15 years of restaurant management experience, with a focus on delivering an unparalleled guest experience and maintaining the highest standards of service and operational excellence. She has a passion for developing a team of dedicated professionals, and planning and preparing each service to ensure every detail exceeds guest expectations. A strategic leader with a commitment to quality and seamless service, Lucy balances her career with being a devoted mother to two young children, showcasing dedication both at work and at home.
Kei Koarai
RESTAURANT MANAGER
With over 15 years of experience in the hospitality industry as both a manager and certified sommelier, Kei began his career at an Italian restaurant in Aoyama, Tokyo.
He earned his sommelier certification in 2014 and, in 2021, deepened his expertise by training at a winery in Yamanashi. Japan’s premier wine region, where he studied viticulture and winemaking.
Kei has held leadership positions in esteemed French, Japanese, and Italian dining establishments, bringing a well-rounded perspective to every role.
Since joining the Five Sails team in 2022, he has been dedicated to crafting an exceptional dining experience defined by refined service, thoughtful wine pairings, and a true sense of place that is uniquely Five Sails.
Alex Kim
CULINARY DIRECTOR
Chef Alex Kim is the Culinary Director at Five Sails, a renowned Vancouver restaurant that has been a cornerstone of the city’s culinary scene for over 30 years. With a rich culinary journey that reflects his deep-rooted passion for food, Alex is dedicated to crafting exceptional dining experiences that celebrate local and seasonal ingredients.
Born and raised in Seoul, South Korea, Alex's passion was ignited during summers spent on his grandmother's farm. There, amidst fields of peaches, grapes, and rice, he learned the art of nurturing ingredients. His grandmother’s methods of selecting vegetables and her meticulous fermentation processes laid the foundation for his appreciation of fresh, locally sourced produce. Memories of her beloved pork and kimchi stew remain a cherished part of his inspiration.
After discovering his love for cooking, particularly influenced by Jamie Oliver’s Naked Chef, Alex honed his skills in prestigious kitchens, including Fairmont and Shangri-La. Working alongside chefs from France, Germany, Japan, Italy, and Canada, he gained invaluable experience that broadened his culinary perspective and infused his cooking with diverse techniques and traditions.
At Five Sails, Alex champions sustainability by collaborating with local farmers and fishermen to create menus that highlight the vibrant flavors of British Columbia. He is passionate about mentoring the next generation of chefs, instilling in them the importance of fresh ingredients and responsible culinary practices that honor the environment.
With a commitment to excellence and a vision for a sustainable culinary future, Chef Alex Kim continues to inspire both his team and diners alike, ensuring that each meal at Five Sails reflects his dedication to quality and craftsmanship.
Daria Andriienko
PASTRY CHEF
She landed her first professional back-of-house role in the kitchen at Catch, Ukraine’s most prestigious seafood restaurant. The prominent position gave her the opportunity to refine her skills alongside some of the country’s most experienced culinary professionals and opened up a new world of possibilities for the talented young Pastry Chef.
Andriienko relocated to Canada in 2018 with plans to advance her career as part of Vancouver’s renowned Glowbal Restaurant Group. She joined the team at Coast Restaurant and spent two years developing sumptuous showpiece desserts for the downtown dining room.
In summer 2020, Andriienko came on board with Five Sails Restaurant and is thrilled to apply her passion and creativity for sweets in her new role as lead Pastry Chef. Her signature menu features an array of classic cakes, seasonal tarts and elegant confections that showcase her panache for fine French desserts while offering guests a truly sweet finish to their West Coast dining experience.