Meet our Chefs!
Chef Valentine Kitamura
Valentine is the owner of Eden West Gourmet since 2020. Born and raised in France, from the Champagne region, she developed a passion for food while working for her father’s catering business. Graduated from Vatel Paris International Hospitality Management, she went to work for over 15 years in the hospitality industry around the world. At the same time, she found herself really thriving while hosting dinner and cooking along like-minded foodies and bakers. Valentine decided to start new and share her passion with others, by teaching cooking classes, in a fun, social and interactive environment.
Valentine is proud to share some of her most adored French dishes, baking skills and recipes from her time travelling!
Her cooking specialties include: French, Spanish, North African, Middle East, Vegetarian, Vegan, Baking and Sourdough.
See Valentine’s most popular classes here.
Chef Glenys Morgan
Glenys has been into farm-to-table cuisine her entire life. Take the girl off the farm, train her in London, but whether it's Italy or France, Mexico or Morocco- it's still about the fresh and the best in season. Known for her Serious Amateur programs at the Dubrulle Culinary Institute, she has a following of enthusiastic "graduates" from her courses, the first hands-on cooking experience in Vancouver, that taught trucs and techniques to home cooks. For fifteen years, as resident chef at Barbara-jo's Books to Cooks, she had the enviable job of cooking with famous chefs and infamous personalities! Glenys is an author, judge for the Taste Canada Awards and member emeritus into Les Dames d'Escoffier- Julia Child's international league of women in food, wine and culinary arts.
Glenys cooking specialties are: North American, French, English, Irish, Italian, Spanish, Mexican and Moroccan.
See Glenys’ most popular classes here.
Chef Sue Wiebe
Chef Sue exemplifies the adage that “the best teachers are constant students”. Her ongoing training includes certificates from Dubrulle French Culinary School, Le Cordon Bleu, The California Institute of Culinary Arts & Vancouver Pastry Training Centre.
Sue recently had the pleasure of participating in pastry classes with world renowned Pastry Chefs Amaury Guichon & Antonio Bachour. “I’m always excited to learn new ideas & share with other dessert enthusiasts”. Sue’s Instagram portfolio @suchacookie features her love of flowers, nature & sweet things.
From her eclectic repertoire of cooking classes, Sue focuses on recipes that are adaptable to every level of cooking skill. From beginner to seasoned cooks, there is something for everyone!
Glenys cooking specialties are: North American, French, Italian, Greek, Thai, baking, pastry and dessert decorating.
See Sue’s most popular classes here.
Chef Luis Lopez
Born and raised in Mazatlán, Sinaloa, México, Luis López is a graduate of the Colegio Superior de Gastronomía in México City and boasts over 20 years of varied culinary experience. His love for food and traveling has led to a wide variety of incredible opportunities, including creating a Mexican cuisine restaurant in West Africa and opening the first Casual Dining Upscale Mexican Restaurant in Halifax (Antojo Tacos & Tequila), as well serving as a private chef onboard a yacht, in South America, currently working as R & D Chef for Daiya Foods, Collaborating with Vancouver Private Dining and teaching Mexican Food Classes at Eden West Gourmet
Luis is proud to share his traditions, family recipes, and passion for Mexican food – one delicious dish at a time.
See Luis’ most popular classes here.