Chef Duane’s passion for cooking was sparked in childhood when he asked his mother for lasagna and she suggested he try making it himself. The result was a success, and from that moment, he was captivated by the culinary world. Born and raised on Vancouver Island, he pursued his passion professionally, attending culinary school before earning an apprenticeship at the prestigious Four Seasons Hotel in Vancouver. His talent quickly gained recognition, leading him to become a finalist in the BC Apprentice Chef competition. As a classically trained French Chef with roots in haute cuisine, he started his career in fine dining, then moved on to the world of Sports and Entertainment.
Over two decades, Chef Duane prepared meals for diverse audiences, from massive stadium crowds to exclusive backstage settings, serving rock stars, athletes, Presidents, and even Her Majesty the Queen. His career highlights include catering for high-profile events such as the The David Foster Foundation Gala, Scotties Tournament of Hearts Curling and Skate Canada Figure Skating, The Major League Baseball All-Star Game, the opening of Seahawks Stadium in Seattle and VIP hospitality at the Kentucky Derby. He was also handpicked for the culinary team that launched Rogers Place Arena, home of the Edmonton Oilers.
Now, back on Vancouver Island, Chef Duane has taken on a new challenge. He has joined the team at The Cridge Village Seniors’ Centre as Executive Chef. He is dedicated to sourcing and using local, seasonal, and ethical products while expanding his knowledge of nutrition, alternative diets, and world cuisines. He looks forward to bringing his extensive background into the retirement community to help take the culinary experience to the next level.