Staff Spotlight

This month, our staff spotlight is on... Eric Vachon

Lodge Gig...

Pastry Chef

A proud French Canadian…

And after four years in Tofino he considers himself a Tofino local as well. Although you may not always understand what he is saying if you don’t speak French, spend some time with Vachon and you will see that he is a dreamer at heart. He’s a very positive person and believes in achieving goals and jumping on opportunities even if they come at an unexpected time. Vachon loves how being a pastry chef gives him creative freedom. He enjoys being able to specialize in this one culinary area as it gives him more autonomy within the team. And what better way to make other people happy…”Everybody loves sweets, especially chocolate,” says Vachon.

Vachon’s culinary journey has brought him across the country and sent him around the world. Vachon began his career at Culinary School in Quebec, (C.F.A.S.T.) and later went on to work at well known fine dining establishments including the Barefoot Bistro in Whistler and the Wickanninnish Inn in Tofino. Vachon recently returned from a workshop at the Michell Cluizel factory in France. He was among a select few sent from the Vancouver and Toronto areas who were given the opportunity to see first hand the magic behind this gourmet chocolate. From the roasting of the beans to the making of the chocolates, Vachon was able to learn and practice classic French techniques. Vachon has returned to us inspired and full of new chocolaty ideas….which we are sure will make you melt.

Exciting news on the pastry front...

Upon his return from France, Vachon took his inspiration and turned it into to a decadent new dessert menu… and yes, it does feature Michell Cluizel chocolate! With flavours such as pumpkin, apple and chocolate, Vachon wanted to focus on comfort flavours with a modern twist for the winter. It is impossible for words alone to do this new menu justice, so you’ll just have to come and try some.

His list...

Hometown: Lac-Etchemin, Quebec
Music Musts: Pearl Jam, Bob Marley, Xavier Rudd
Must See TV: Kitchen Nightmares
Favourite Tofino Hotspot: You’ll find Vachon enjoying a beer at the local Shelter Restaurant or taking in a show at the Legion.
Fave Surf Break: North Chesterman
Rides: 7’ 10” fun board, 7’, fish quads fin
His perfect day on the Westcoast: a sunny day with the perfect offshore wind for surfing

Perry's Perspective

Don't leave the site without reading Perry's Perspective, the insights of our General Manager, Perry Schmunk, on life in Tofino, exciting Resort news, and the interesting dynamics and stories of operating Long Beach Lodge Resort.