Executive Chef, Delta Hotels by Marriott Toronto

Born and raised in Vancouver, Keith Pears born into a family of chefs 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 ripe age of 15, he took his first job washing dishes at the Teahouse Restaurant in Stanley Park, his pursuit to one day become 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, located at the Delta Burnaby Hotel & Conference Center. Soon 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, passion and grit that created beautiful and delicious food at e.b.o.

Keith has gone on to successfully compete in a number of food competitions such as Best of the West, City TV’s Master Chef, Garland Canada International Chef Challenge and the 2016 Bocuse d’Or National Selection. He has been recognized as B.C. Chef of the Year and most recently won Chopped Canada.

In 2017, Keith challenged himself both personally and professionally with a move to Toronto where he assumed the role of Executive Chef at the brand’s flagship hotel, 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 Chefs and gains inspiration from the city’s diversity and drive.

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.”