The role of a hotel executive chef is no easy feat, from banquets, to outlets, to in-room dining, the kitchen lights stay on 24/7, 365 days a year to welcome guests from around the world with unforgettable cuisine. And that is exactly the type of challenge that inspires and drives Chef Michael Pagnacco, the new Executive Chef of Fairmont Waterfront. Born and raised in Ontario, Canada, Chef Pagnacco was lured into the kitchen at an early age. His fascination with cooking and travel continued to blossom, and he knew a career in the culinary field was his calling.
Chef Pagnacco’s first introduction to the culinary world was in the kitchens of private restaurants, before deciding to hone his skills in culinary management at Algonquin College in Ottawa, where he graduated with honours. He joined Fairmont Hotels & Resorts in 1999 and began an extensive journey starting in the kitchens of Fairmont Chateau Laurier, followed by Fairmont Chateau Whistler, before gaining international exposure in 2008 at Fairmont’s UAE hotel Fairmont Dubai. In 2010, he took on the role of Restaurant Chef at the internationally award-winning CuiScene Restaurant at Fairmont Bab Al Bahr in Abu Dhabi.
In 2012, Chef Pagnacco returned to Canada joining the Fairmont Empress, located on Vancouver Island, where he oversaw the redevelopment and concepting of the Food and Beverage outlets during the historic hotel’s major renovation project. In 2017, Pagnacco added cowboy boots to his chef ensemble undertaking the the role of Executive Sous Chef for the opening of Fairmont Austin, a 1,048 guest room hotel with five food and beverage outlets and 140K sq. ft. of function space. However, the beauty and lifestyle of Canada’s West Coast was calling him back and he accepted the role of Executive Chef at Fairmont Waterfront in 2019.
Aside from his passion for food, Chef Pagnacco is driven by the desire to teach and develop the next generation of chefs. “Being a great cook is being a person who can cook great food, but being a great chef means being a leader who inspires others to create fantastic experiences,” explains Pagnacco. “I am equally as passionate about leadership and development as I am about creating a delicious dish.”
Chef Pagnacco’s food is authentic to the region with international inspiration; he revels in highlighting in-season local products. “We’re privileged in the Pacific Northwest to have great and diverse offerings throughout the year, including produce, seafood, wine and more. Seeing what’s trending globally and applying it locally gives guests the opportunity to experience a fresh take on Vancouver cuisine while remaining approachable.”
About Fairmont Waterfront
Nestled on Vancouver’s harbour and offering stunning water-views of Stanley Park, the inner harbour, coastal mountains and sparkling city skyline, the Fairmont Waterfront truly embodies relaxed West Coast luxury. This 4 Diamond urban retreat is connected to the Canada Place Cruise Ship Terminal and is just steps away from historic Gastown’s trendy scene, shopping on Robson Street and Stanley Park’s popular Seawall. We invite guests to explore the city on the hotel’s complimentary bicycles, enjoy a Chef’s tour of the 2,100 sqft rooftop organic garden, discover the honeybee apiary or relax poolside with a stunning backdrop of the North Shore mountains. For those looking for a truly unique experience, Fairmont Gold is ideal; this “hotel within a hotel” provides guests with a dedicated concierge team, private lounge, a beautiful harbour-view patio, evening canapés and more. Central to everything, with its peerless views, friendly staff, fabulous accommodations and enviable waterfront location, Fairmont Waterfront is your gateway to exploration for the Pacific North West.
About Fairmont
Fairmont Hotels & Resorts is where occasions are celebrated and history is made. Landmark hotels with unrivalled presence, authentic experiences and unforgettable moments have attracted visitors to Fairmont and its destinations since 1907. The Plaza in New York City, The Savoy in London, Fairmont San Francisco, Fairmont Banff Springs and Fairmont Peace Hotel in Shanghai are but a few of these iconic luxury hotels, forever linked to the special places where they reside. Famous for its engaging service, grand public spaces, locally inspired cuisine and celebrated bars and lounges, Fairmont promises a special brand of thoughtful luxury that will be remembered long after any visit. With a worldwide portfolio of more than 75 hotels, Fairmont also takes great pride in its deep community roots and leadership in sustainability. Fairmont is part of Accor, a world-leading augmented hospitality group offering unique experiences in 4,900 hotels and residences across 110 countries.
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