East meets West: Chef William Tse

East Meets West

 

Executive Chef  William Tse

 

Restaurant: Sandbar Seafood Restaurant – Granville Island

1535 Johnston Street, Creekhouse #102

Granville Island

Tel: 604-669-9030

Website: www.vancouverdine.com/sandbar

 

Number of years experience: 19

 

Philosophy: My philosophy in food is new world meets old soul. I was taught by my dad who ran a Chinese restaurant here in BC. He viewed cooking as an artform - to master it is to master the ability to pull the natural flavours of ingredients. To be a master is to do this without masking the natural flavours. 

The old school in me is to treat the food and all its parts equally; no fancy gimmicks, just your ability to make it taste good.

The new world is techniques, flavour profile and presentations. I like using local, fresh ingredients and treating them with respect and using their natural flavours to enhance the dish. I like keeping my food simple yet with depth and intrigue.

I also believe strongly in the yin and yang of cooking and what I mean is using contrasting flavours and textures to help enhance the dish.

And finally love is the last philosophy; you need to love your food to create something spectacular. I love cooking “on the fly” so to speak and cook what my heart feels.  If you add a bit of love to what you are cooking, it really takes your food to the next level.

 

Signature dish: Hoisin Chocolate Glazed Lemongrass and Coconut Braised Short ribs with five-spiced roasted peanuts, finished with house made chili oil.

My signature dish is a true reflection of who I am.  My love and passion as well as my cooking philosophy comes through in this dish.