JAMES WALT

Culinary Director, Whistler

One of the country’s leading chefs, cookbook author and “farm-to-table” pioneer, James Walt continues to inspire his guests, creating compelling regional cuisine based on local, sustainable ingredients. A graduate of the Stratford Chefs School, his impressive culinary career spans across several of British Columbia’s leading restaurants including a four-year tenure at Sooke Harbour House and as opening chef to sister restaurant Blue Water Cafe in Vancouver. James was also Executive Chef to the Canadian Embassy in Rome, Italy; an experience that helped shape the way he cooks today. James now takes the reins at the reimagined Il Caminetto as Executive Chef to bring a modern interpretation of Italian classics to the mountainside resort.

James is Whistler’s only chef to cook at the celebrated James Beard House in New York City where he has performed on four separate occasions. He has been voted best chef in Whistler by Pique Newsmagazine and was inducted into the British Columbia Restaurant Association Hall of Fame in 2011.

As a follow-up to his James Beard–nominated first cookbook, James and his team share recipes from Araxi Restaurant’s dining room and signature Araxi Longtable Dinner events, all adapted for delicious home cooking in Araxi: Roots to Shoots, Farm Fresh Recipes. James’ newest book – containing 80 classic recipes complemented by striking photography – is available at Araxi Restaurant and fine book retailers.

Recent accolades for Araxi include Where Magazine’s Best Formal Whistler Restaurant and the Georgia Straight Golden Plate Awards' Best Whistler Restaurant.

James lives in nearby Squamish where he works closely with local farmers and producers and personally selects the freshest ingredients featured on the Araxi menu.

Ying Gao

Executive Chef

Chef Ying Gao was born outside Beijing. Her culinary journey began within the walls of her mother's restaurant, which opened just months before her birth. This early exposure to the world of gastronomy ignited her passion for food. In 2016, Chef Gao ventured westward, settling in Vancouver, where she joined our sister restaurant, Blue Water Cafe. Her passion and dedication did not go unnoticed catching the attention of our very own Executive Chef Andrew Richardson, who invited her to join his team at CinCin. In 2018, she played a pivotal role in opening our steakhouse, Elisa accepting a role as Sous Chef. Now, returning home to a Toptable restaurant feels natural, says Chef Ying – “The team provides a great environment, and Chef James' talent and leadership creates a space where creativity and growth are encouraged, which I value so much as a Chef.”

Ying's vision for every guest is for them to experience the natural flavours and beauty of Whistler through her dishes.

AARON HEATH

Pastry Chef

Born in North York, Ontario, Aaron Heath is a graduate of Toronto’s George Brown Culinary College. He first joined the culinary brigade at Araxi in 1996, and attributes his love of food to the backyard garden of his childhood home. Today, Aaron is inspired by smaller scale, artisanal baking – and modernizing traditional recipes. Aaron’s seasonal dessert menu showcases local orchard fruits and berries, as well as a premium chocolates and house-baked breads.

JASON KAWAGUCHI

Restaurant Manager + Wine Director

After over 20 years in the hospitality industry including the past 9 years at Araxi, Vancouver born Jason Kawaguchi oversees the 1000+ labels that have made Araxi a Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence winner since 2000.

Continuing studies under WSET and the Court of Master Sommeliers, as well as travelling through Italy’s storied wine regions of Tuscany, Piedmont, and Veneto, have deepened. Jason’s understanding of terroir from both a food and wine perspective.

From his grandparents' farm in Vernon, Jason learned the value of the land. "They grew just about everything. From them I discovered the hard work involved in creating a meal from start to finish," Jason says. "Their ethos drives my passion for learning the story behind the wine and sharing that story with guests so they can enjoy a complete experience."

RENE WUETHRICH

Bar Manager

Since 2001, Rene has welcomed both an international and local clientele to The Bar at Araxi. The Bar offers Araxi’s full wine list, martinis made from fresh produce, and a broad selection of single malt scotch and bourbons. Rene began his hospitality career at hotel school in Zurich, going on to gain practical experience at hotels in Lausanne, Zermatt and Villars.

Before moving to Whistler, Rene held management positions at restaurants throughout Calgary, Vancouver, and Australia.