Issue link: https://canadawidemedia.uberflip.com/i/918147
he culinary landscape in North America is amply populated with chefs and personalities putting their spin on a style of cooking designed to get your attention. With the explosion of the foodie culture in recent years, cutting through the clutter would seem a near impossible task. But that's exactly what a chef with humble beginnings from India has managed to do. Vikram Vij is one of Canada's most celebrated chefs, ascending the culinary ladder by reaching into his Indian heritage. He opened Vij's restaurant in Vancouver in 1994 to great acclaim and hasn't looked back. He's since opened three Indian restaurants and launched a fleet of food trucks. He's become an author and television personality, most notably taking a turn as a Dragon on CBC's Dragons' Den. Despite all the success and attention, Vij continues to focus on what he loves to do: cook. During an autumn tour of India, he took time out to speak to Our House magazine about food, fame and his future. HOME T OUR HOUSE: Where do you call home these days? VIJ: I live in Surrey, B.C., but as an Indian who came to Canada and who loves to travel and get culinary inspiration from around the world, I like to think I'm a global citizen! I understand you're in India right now. Can you tell me a little about the purpose of the trip? Every year I take a trip with some food fans, some of whom have been coming with me for years now, for Vij's Culinary Tour. We've visited India most often, but we've also been to places like Vietnam, Peru and South Africa. I love to experience not only di–erent culinary cultures, but also to re-explore my own roots and to visit di–erent parts of India to see what is being cooked—and how it's being cooked—and to incorporate those methods into the food in my restaurants. That's how I stay authentic, and it's the best way to keep learning and to grow. Interview by Jeemy Deutsc T H E T A S T E O F RESTAURATEUR AND TV PERSONALITY VIKRAM VIJ ON THE JOY OF COOKING— SLOWLY—AT HOME 28 OUR HOUSE WINTER 2018 DOMINION LENDING CENTRES AARON AUBREY