Get to Know Us
Our Board Members
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Lois Gilbert
Bailli Regional
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Stephen Duke
Vice Chancelier
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This Could Be You
Argentier
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Patrick Gaylor
Vice Consellier Culinaire
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Steven Potucek
Vice Consellier Gastronomique
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Sharmian Duke
Vice Echanson
The Val d’Okanagan Bailiage
Baili Regional
Lois Gilbert
Lois Gilbert Bailli Regional of Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Val d'Okanagan is a passionate and accomplished figure in the hospitality industry. With a career spanning several decades, she has garnered extensive experience and made significant contributions to the culinary world.
Lois's journey in the culinary arts began at the tender age of 13 when she started working alongside her mother, a skilled baker and chef. This early exposure instilled in her a deep love for the culinary arts and set the stage for her future endeavors.
Her passion for food led her to Vancouver, where she administered a prestigious cooking school. Not content with just administrating and sous cheffing , Lois decided to embark on her own entrepreneurial path in 1996. She established her own cooking school, which quickly gained recognition for its excellence. Additionally, she opened a kitchenware store and catering company called "A Well Tooled Kitchen," further expanding her influence in the culinary landscape.
During her time in Russia, Lois had a fortuitous encounter with the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs in Moscow. Intrigued by the organization's mission and values, she immersed herself in its activities, ultimately rising to the position of Bailli. Her dedication to the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs was unwavering, and she eagerly contributed her expertise and knowledge to its various initiatives.
Lois's commitment to nurturing young talent led her to become a committee member of the prestigious International Jeunes Chef Competition. She recognized the importance of supporting aspiring chefs and worked tirelessly to provide them with opportunities and guidance.
Returning to Canada, Lois lent her expertise to the Toronto Bailliage, assisting with membership and events. Her vast experience and passion for the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs made her an invaluable asset to the organization, and she played a crucial role in its growth and success.
More recently, Lois made a significant move to the stunning Okanagan Valley. Recognizing the untapped potential of the region, she took on the challenge of reviving the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs in the Val d'Okanagan. Her infectious enthusiasm and unwavering determination have breathed new life into the local chapter, capturing the imagination of both culinary professionals and enthusiasts alike.
Ever the visionary, Lois aims to further elevate the Okanagan Valley's culinary scene by hosting the prestigious International Sommelier Competition in 2024. With her exceptional leadership skills and a dedicated team by her side, she is poised to create an unforgettable event that will put the region on the global culinary map.
Lois Gilbert Bailli Regional of Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Val d'Okanagan is a culinary trailblazer, an advocate for young talent, and a driving force behind the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs' success in the region. Her unwavering passion and unwavering commitment to excellence make her an indispensable figure in the culinary world, and her contributions continue to shape the industry for years to come
Vice Chancelier
Stephen Duke
He started his career in hospitality working in family run restaurants in Oakville where he found his passion for food. He attended George Brown College, and later earned his MBA at Guelph University in hospitality and tourism management. He worked in several restaurants as cook, kitchen manager, bartender, server and eventually Chef. He was always front of house and back of house, often at the same time. His time was spent at places like Bronte Harbour Yacht Club, Toronto's Movenpick Stock Exchange, Royal York, Chateau Lake Louise and eventually moved to Vancouver's Umbertos. In 1985 he became co-founder and director of operations for what became a franchise known as Pastel's with 37 locations in Canada and the US. Stephen founded "Mondo Motion Picture Catering, the premier film caterer with capacity to serve 3000 - 6000 meals per day. Mondo was sold in 2000 and Stephen moved to Tofino BC to start a career in real estate development with a major renovation at the Roots Lodge and developed the 84 suite Tauca Lea Resort and Spa, Ucluelet (now named "Water's Edge Resort"). He was a major force in developing Ucluelet's main oceanfront community on Marine Drive including the BlackRock Oceanfront Resort. Stephen moved back to Vancouver in 2009 while real estate markets were recovering, and consulted on a number of foodservice related transactions including the sale of Bread Garden and the development of franchise "Fresh Slice Pizza". Since that time his focus has been on residential real estate developments, with the exception of the Old English Inn in Esquimalt, where he more recently consulted on its design, renovation, and addition. Stephen moved to Kelowna in 2021 with his wife Sharmian. His current projects include a hospitality focused project in Penticton.
Argentier
This Could Be You
The Argentier is the administrator who handles the bailliage treasury and is responsible for the bailliage books and accounts.
Vice Consellier Culinaire
Patrick Gaylor
Chef Patrick Gaylor is a graduate of NAIT and has over 20 years of experience at notable restaurants across western Canada. Patrick is a past chef member of Culinary Team Canada; resenting the nation in multiple culinary competitions, including the Culinary World Cup in Luxembourg and the Culinary Olympics in Erfurt Germany. He joined Mission Hill in 2014 as restaurant chef and in 2018 took on the role of Executive Chef. He enjoys working with local farmers and producers to ensure the winery’s culinary program continues to promote the best of the region.
Vice Consellier Gastronomique
Steven Potucek
Steve has been a part of the food and wine scene for as long as he can remember. His love for food and beverage came from visiting his grandpa (himself a fine dining restaurateur) on many occasions in the Czech Republic. Since then, Steve has worked in most every facet of the industry. With roots in Vancouver and working in many cities in the Lower Mainland, he has made it a part of his career for over 15 years. Now Steve resides in Kelowna with his lovely wife Lauren and amazing son Archer where they continue their love and passion for delicious food, exquisite wine, and temping spirits. Some people select a travel destination and once they arrive, they hunt for the best sip or the perfect bite. Living by the saying “It is easier to find the right flight than the right reservation”, Steve tends to look at travel through the lens of dare I say a wine glass. “The opportunity to travel and learn about cultures from around the world through cuisine is one of the greatest joys of life.” The only question that remains it where do they go next?
Vice Echanson
Sharmian Duke
Sharmian started her career in the medical industry but her passion for wine brought her into the wine industry. She graduated from UC Davis in the Winemaking and Viticulture program. She has completed an internship at Peak Cellars Winery and is presently working at Mission Hill. As a self- described wine nerd, Sharmian has accumulated many wines and spirit certifications: WSET3 in Wines, WWSET3 in Spirits, French Wine Scholar, Italian Wine Scholar, Canadian Wine Scholar, Whiskey Ambassador, Wine Sensory Masterclass, UC Davis Wine Marketing and she is presently enrolled in the Bourgogne Master Level Course. Sharmian has also worked as a caterer on various film sets over a 5-year span.