The Storm Riders series aims to celebrate the strength of our industry while highlighting some of the many ways businesses have overcome the challenges resulting from COVID-19. We are proud to showcase how the following business has adapted while celebrating the people who are at the heart of what we do. In this post, we hear from Ian Riddick of Heartwood Kitchen in Ucluelet:
Why do you do what you do?
I love to cook food and entertain and knew that I wanted to be a chef from a very young age. No two days are ever the same, ingredients, tastes and trends change. I really like to connect with our guests and I use food as an opportunity to tell stories about the diversity of Vancouver Island products and the people that live and make this island so special.
What do you most want people to know about your business?
Heartwood Kitchen was created as a “culinary workshop” when we opened in 2018. Simply, a place that we could prepare the very best from Vancouver Island at breakfast, lunch and dinner without old fashioned restaurant rules. This has served us well and has given us incredible flexibility while serving our guests, doing pop-ups and using our space as a demonstration kitchen.
Other than your own business, what are 3 other businesses in your community that visitors should experience?
I think seeing the west coast from the water is essential and no one is better than Hello Nature for intimate kayak adventures, Yayu Cafe for inspired plant-based dining and fishing with Cameron Ocean Adventures is a must.
