Wildlight Kitchen and Bar in leləṁ is only in its 15th month of operation but in that brief time it has garnered an impressive array of awards, while developing significant connections with the local community.
Executive chef Warren Chow, born and raised in Vancouver, recently earned a Michelin Young Chef Award for this work at the restuarant. Chow received his culinary training at Vancouver Community College and worked a few years ago at The Pear Tree in Burnaby.
Wildlight also received a Michelin Recommendation. It also won a bronze medal at the Vancouver International Wine Festival for the restaurant’s wine offerings, chosen by wine director and assistant general manager Michael Cooke. Wildlight also received the 2023 Georgia Straight’s Golden Plates Award for the best new restaurant in Vancouver.
According to the entry in the Michelin Guide, “This light-filled space is enhanced with natural and organic decorative elements, but the relaxed sophistication belies the serious nature of Chef Warren Chow’s kitchen, where sourcing is paramount.”
Wildlight reveals its “unique identity” in part because it is a venue for “premium casual dining” in an area where most of the dining options are brand-named fast-food outlets and sports bars.
The restaurant has established a relationship with UBC’s Chan Centre for the Performing Arts. For a recent concert with classical and jazz pianist Aaron Diehl, Wildlight offered discounts on a set of 2 to 4 tickets plus a 10 per cent discount on a pre-concert meal.
Another significant partnership is Wildlight’s relationship with the UBC Farm, evidenced by Michelin highlighting the restaurant’s commitment to sourcing quality and local ingredients.
Mathilde Newman, UBC Farm’s lead sales coordinator, says, “Chef Warren has made a strong commitment to sourcing from the farm, regularly purchasing our greens, herbs, and zucchini.”
Newman and Wildlight general manager Margot Baloro have discussed expanding the farm’s offerings on the restaurant’s menu for the year ahead. This month, Newman is planning to welcome the whole Wildlight team for a tour of the farm.
The phrase “farm to table” is a popular slogan used by restaurants. In the case of the UBC farm and Wildlight, “farm to table” is the genuine article.
Wildlight is located 5380 University Boulevard next to Toronto Road.
WARREN MCKINNON IS A LONGTIME CAMPUS RESIDENT.