MIKITO "MIKI" HOMMA

The word "legend" gets overused these days especially in Whistler, but in the case of Miki, the title is fitting, in every sense of the word.

He opened Sushi Village Restaurant in 1985. Whistler was a developing ski resort in those days (there were only 5 other restaurants here, at that time!) but Miki instantly fell in love with the vibe, the people and beautiful mountains. Miki had a flare for hospitality that was infectious. He was proud of his Japanese culture and food, always eager to share it with his friends, guests and he LOVED to party!

Miki will be remembered for his wild laugh, his unique style, his crazy sense of humour, his generosity to this community and for providing all of us with this iconic restaurant which has been loved for over 30 years.

Kanpai!

Chef Pascal Tiphine, one of Whistler's original restaurateurs, wasn't one for fancy sauces or sparse Parisian cuisine. Rather, his food was "country-French" — the kind of hearty, wholesome fare right from the land, the kind of food that makes you feel replete. It was just like the chef himself — down-to-earth, honest, authentic. 

For more than three decades, Tiphine was a key figure in Whistler's restaurant scene, seeing it grow and having a role in taking it from its nascent beginnings through the commercial boom to a world class food destination. The first restaurant he opened was Madame’s Bistro, followed by Sundial Restaurant, Les Deux Gros and finally Les Gros.

"He was always welcoming, social, making sure everybody was comfortable and well served," said friend Bob Barnett. "And he liked to have fun.”

Inducted 2018

Born in France November 18, 1943 Joel Thibault immigrated to Vancouver in 1966. He mastered his craft as a restaurateur in Chamonix, the French Riviera, the William Tell Restaurant, Le Creperie, Umberto's La Galleria in Seattle, Chez Joel's in Vancouver and Whistler and his latest venture Bavaria Restaurant. Joel had a unique way of making everyone he met feel special.

Before he moved to Whistler in 1985, Thibault had a go at growing grapes and making wine in the Okanagan from 1983 to 1985. "It didn’t go as I expected. I decided to go back to Whistler to do what I do best, and that’s manage restaurants.”

Chez Joel in Gastown was doing just fine at the time. Still, his heart was in the mountains, and as a veteran of European ski resorts, he saw the potential that Whistler offered.

"With my experience in the Alps, I could see what was going on in Whistler as it was becoming a super resort, and of course, loving the mountain life, I wanted to be involved with that," said Thibault.

Inducted 2018

Back in December 15th, 1985 when “The Original Restaurante” was opened all 2,300 Whistler-ites came by to wish the young Mr. Black success.  It was this gesture that had a profound impact on Lawrence, he knew that Whistler was special.  In 1995 the name changed to “Black’s Restaurant and Pub”, and Lawrence always remembered the gesture from the community. He gave back to the community of Whistler in so many ways: whether it is gift certificates for fund raisers, sitting on boards such as crime stoppers, sponsoring local baseball and hockey teams, or helping his employees with their career objectives.  His contribution to the community of Whistler was in-measurable.

Inducted 2017

Enero, a former Spanish bullfighter with a passion for both hospitality and fine cuisine, was at the forefront of British Columbia’s elite dining scene for more than 35 years. Enero’s global sensibilities and enduring yet unpretentious style inspired a distinctive brand of culinary fusion. “Good food, good service, good people…” Mario is a patriarch in Whistler's culinary and hospitality scene because of simple principles and a gift for sharing his experience and passion with the community and those who work with him. 

Inducted 2016