THE CHEF
“An award winning restaurateur and chef, food consultant and writer, Richard’s love of fresh, local and sustainable foods is evident in everything he does, and his affection for the open flame is well known – if occasionally a little unnerving.” ~ Sip And Savour 2012
Originally from Calgary, Alberta, Canada, award-winning Chef Richard Verhagen began his career in hospitality with the Marriott Corporation in Los Angeles. An impromptu move to Mazatlán, Mexico in his twenties introduced him to the city's rich Creole culinary tradition, and inspired him to pursue formal culinary training.
Richard eventually returned to Canada to pursue new ventures and hone his culinary skills; since then, he's worn multiple hats as executive chef, restaurateur, festival coordinator, writer and food consultant. Having owned and operated multiple pubs and restaurants, a twelve-year stint as chef & owner of the acclaimed Raven Street Market Cafe on Salt Spring Island, BC, stands out among his long list of accomplishments.
Known for his ability to land anywhere and cook up a storm, Chef Richard was aptly nicknamed, "The Hurricane". His passion for local, organic, sustainable ingredients, his love of bold, multi-dimensional flavors, and the influence of Creole cooking are present in every dish he makes.
After four years inn Los Angeles, Richard and the Hurricane Kitchen are now into the third year of a new chapter on the beautiful Central Coast of California.
For more information on Chef Richard and his consulting / menu development services, please visit his personal site, www.firesandspice.com
Cheers !
Originally from Calgary, Alberta, Canada, award-winning Chef Richard Verhagen began his career in hospitality with the Marriott Corporation in Los Angeles. An impromptu move to Mazatlán, Mexico in his twenties introduced him to the city's rich Creole culinary tradition, and inspired him to pursue formal culinary training.
Richard eventually returned to Canada to pursue new ventures and hone his culinary skills; since then, he's worn multiple hats as executive chef, restaurateur, festival coordinator, writer and food consultant. Having owned and operated multiple pubs and restaurants, a twelve-year stint as chef & owner of the acclaimed Raven Street Market Cafe on Salt Spring Island, BC, stands out among his long list of accomplishments.
Known for his ability to land anywhere and cook up a storm, Chef Richard was aptly nicknamed, "The Hurricane". His passion for local, organic, sustainable ingredients, his love of bold, multi-dimensional flavors, and the influence of Creole cooking are present in every dish he makes.
After four years inn Los Angeles, Richard and the Hurricane Kitchen are now into the third year of a new chapter on the beautiful Central Coast of California.
For more information on Chef Richard and his consulting / menu development services, please visit his personal site, www.firesandspice.com
Cheers !