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.
TATIANA HEJEILY
SENIOR EVENT SALES MANAGER
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.
ELAINE ENGLAND
RESTAURANT MANAGER
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.
ALEX KIM
CULINARY DIRECTOR
Chef Alex Kim, 2025 Canadian Culinary Champion and BC’s Regional Gold Medal and People’s Choice winner, is the Culinary Director at Five Sails, a Vancouver restaurant that has been a cornerstone of the city’s culinary scene for over 30 years. A finalist on Top Chef Canada Season 12, Alex brings both competitive excellence and thoughtful leadership to the kitchen, crafting refined dining experiences rooted in seasonality and place.
Born and raised in Seoul, South Korea, Alex’s passion for food was ignited during summers spent on his grandmother’s farm. Surrounded by fields of peaches, grapes, and rice, he learned the importance of respecting ingredients from the ground up. Her intuitive approach to selecting vegetables and meticulous fermentation practices shaped his appreciation for fresh, locally sourced produce, with memories of her pork and kimchi stew remaining a lasting source of inspiration.
Alex honed his craft in prestigious kitchens, including Fairmont and Shangri-La, working alongside chefs from France, Germany, Japan, Italy, and Canada. These formative experiences broadened his culinary perspective and helped define a style that balances classical technique with global influence.
At Five Sails, Alex champions sustainability by working closely with local farmers and fishermen to create menus that celebrate the vibrant flavours of British Columbia. Equally committed to mentorship, he is passionate about developing the next generation of chefs, instilling values of responsibility, craftsmanship, and respect for the environment.
With a clear vision and an unwavering commitment to excellence, Chef Alex Kim continues to elevate Five Sails, ensuring every dish reflects his dedication to quality, sustainability, and thoughtful cuisine.
JUAN RUIZ-TORRES
CHEF DE CUISINE
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.