ALEXANDRE BLAIS

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.


KEI KOARAI

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

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

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

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 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 flavours 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 honour 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.

JUAN RUIZ-TORRES

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.

JOIN US FOR DINNER DAILY | 5:00PM – 10:00PM

R Level | Inside The Pan Pacific Hotel
410 – 999 Canada Place
604-844-2855 | info@fivesails.ca
@fivesailsvancouver

Reservations

The DiRōNA Gold Award | TripAdvisor Best of the Best | Four Diamond Award | Stars of Vancouver Winner | Canadian Culinary Champion

NAMED TOP 1% OF RESTAURANTS WORLDWIDE AND TOP 10 BEST FINE DINING RESTAURANT IN CANADA BY TRIPADVISOR
GOLD | 2025 CANADIAN CULINARY CHAMPION | CHEF ALEX KIM

JOIN US FOR DINNER DAILY | 5:00PM – 10:00PM

R Level | Inside The Pan Pacific Hotel
410 – 999 Canada Place
604-844-2855 | info@fivesails.ca
@fivesailsvancouver

ReserveGIFT CARDSNEWSLETTERWINE CLUB

The DiRōNA Gold Award | TripAdvisor Best of the Best | Four Diamond Award | Stars of Vancouver Winner | Canadian Culinary Champion

NAMED TOP 1% OF RESTAURANTS WORLDWIDE AND TOP 10 BEST FINE DINING RESTAURANT IN CANADA BY TRIPADVISOR

GOLD | 2025 CANADIAN CULINARY CHAMPION | CHEF ALEX KIM

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