Dan Clapson
We all know that the life of a chef or a restaurateur is a tireless one. Late nights early mornings hungry diners and — even worse — grumpy diners. After all of that there isn’t much time for dating so it isn’t really a big surprise that many relationships in the hospitality industry are formed in the restaurant.
Working well with a person that you’re dating or married to means being able to leave your home life at the door and get the job done when it comes to the dining hour. Here are three pairs of Calgary restaurant owners who have made a go of it both on and off the clock. After all couples that eat good food together stay together right?
JACKIE COOKE & KIRK SHAW // co-owners Avec Bistro
A French bistro usually involves a good amount of romance on the patron side of the experience but the operators of this restaurant Cooke and Shaw have been together for a decade and see their fair share as well.
First encounter: “We met in Whistler — everyone knows everybody — where Kirk was running the wine program at the Bearfoot Bistro and I was the sommelier — or his ‘personal assistant’ as he called it! We have been together now for 10 years.” — Cooke
Hardest part about working together: “Trying to leave work behind when you lock up at the end of the night and go home together.” — Cooke
The perfect romantic plate of food: “Lobster with really good white Burgundy wine.” — Cooke
One thing that’s a “no no” for a couple to do in the workplace: “Fight publicly or have sex.” — Cooke
JOHN MICHAEL MacNEIL & ALISON BIEBER // co-chefs/owners Black Pig Bistro
After meeting years ago while working for Teatro these two chefs tied the knot last fall and have been cooking step-by-step at this upscale Spanish restaurant in Bridgeland. Kitchens are usually where tempers can flare but husband and wife MacNeil and Bieber seem to get along just fine.
First encounter: “We met at the Epcor Centre [now Arts Commons] during a meet and greet for new staff after Teatro’s big renovation in 2004. It was love at first sight.” — MacNeil
Kitchen dynamic: “It’s easy for us we genuinely love being around each other. In our restaurant kitchen we always have the best sous chef at our side.” — Bieber
An early date memory: “We had our first date over a plate of chicken fingers on the pass at Teatro with ketchup mayo and hot sauce.” — MacNeil
Sage advice for a restaurant couple: “They shouldn’t bring their personal life to work. It’s not good for anyone.” — MacNeil
KAI & NORMA JEAN SALIMAKI // co-owners The Block Kitchen and Bar
With young kids at home and mom (Norma Jean) and dad (Kai) running the front and back of house respectively this husband-and-wife duo have a lot to juggle. The busy business and even busier home life means they need plenty of energy to happily get through the day with one another.
First encounter: “Lucky number 13 years ago I met this dashing young man I called ‘Ty’ who corrected me to ‘Kai’ during our initial introduction at Ben Venuto on Stephen Avenue [now The Trib]. After months of working together Kai professed his love at a corner booth of The Bear and Kilt. Melt my heart. Ha ha ha!” — Norma Jean
Home life dynamic versus the workplace: “We have four children: Josee 20; Thomas 12; Sami 8; and Suvi 2. We go from a passion of profession at work to a whole lotta love at home.” — Norma Jean
A food and drink pairing that’s ‘romantic’ to you: “I would say rosé bubbles washing down the delicious sweet salty ocean nectar of a Malpeque oyster from Raspberry Point Prince Edward Island.” — Norma Jean
Valentine’s Day plans: “Well as his hostess seating the 136 seats we have… I should try my best to seat the room a few tables at a time and not crush him. Then let him cook to the best of his ability and have everything timed perfectly. Somewhere in between there we might find time to enjoy a kiss.” — Norma Jean
