My Journey

Born and raised in Vancouver, Keith Pears was born into a family of chefs and was destined to become immersed in the culinary field. His parents owned a small café where he spent most of his time growing up, surrounded by family working at creating great food while he eagerly played and learned.

At the young age of 15 he took his first job washing dishes at the Teahouse Restaurant in Stanley Park in his pursuit to one day becoming a renowned Chef. It was then that he discovered his culinary identity and worked under Chef Lynda Larouche for 8 years. At this time he also began his culinary studies at Vancouver Community College completing his apprenticeship program in 2003. In 2005 Keith was part of the opening culinary team at Watermark on Kits Beach and was quickly promoted to Executive Sous Chef. Through the use of fresh local ingredients and a refined menu, he continued to further develop his creative edge and style.

In 2009 and in search of a new challenge, Keith started his career as a 1st Cook at e.b.o. Restaurant & Lounge which was located at the Delta Burnaby Hotel & Conference Center. Soon enough he moved into the role Chef De Partie, then Sous Chef and in 2014 he was promoted to the role of Executive Chef. It was Keith's drive and passion to lead a team that created beautiful and delicious food, which was very much the case at e.b.o.

Keith has gone on to compete in a number of food competitions, such as Best of the West, City TV's Master Chef, B.C. Chef of the Year, Garland Canada International Shellfish Chef Challenge, 2016 Bocuse d'Or National Selection, winning Chopped Canada and most recently winning Gold at Canada's Great Kitchen party in Toronto.

In 2017 Keith challenged himself both personally and professionally with a move to Toronto where he was promoted to the role of Executive Chef at the brand's flagship hotel, the Delta Hotels by Marriott Toronto. Establishing roots in Canada's most vibrant city is an exciting move for Keith as he works among some of the country's best Chef’s and gain inspiration from the city's diversity and drive. Most recently, Keith has accepted the role as Executive Chef at the new W Toronto opening early 2021.

Naturally driven and eager to learn and experience life to its fullest, it’s no surprise Keith made the bold move to Toronto. As he often likes to quote "you never stop learning, because life never stops teaching."