Meet the Executive Chef

Executive Chef Michael Pataran

Executive Chef Michael Pataran brings nearly 30 years of experience to Clayoquot Wilderness from around the globe as an award-winning chef, sommelier, certified sake professional and educator, food writer, restaurant designer, and consultant. From 2015 - 2018, Pataran resided in Cambodia, where he opened Agave Cocina Restaurant in Phnom Penh and served as Executive Chef and F&B Director at Song Saa Private Island in 2015-2016.

The Ontario native honed his culinary skills throughout Europe, Australia, and Southeast Asia before settling back in Toronto at some of the city’s critically acclaimed restaurants including Monsoon, Rain, the Windsor Arms Hotel and Wildfire at Taboo Resort.

Learn more about Chef in our Q&A with him on the Wild Retreat Blog.

His impressive list of accolades includes being crowned the 2004 IAAC World International Champion Chef by defeating six other finalists from resorts and hotels from around the world.

Pataran is known for challenging traditional culinary boundaries with his unique ‘Faith’ tasting menus and artful Asian inspired dishes.

Pataran also received the utmost honour in 2003 by being invited to cook and host a sold-out luncheon and dinner at the prestigious James Beard House in New York City as the guest chef for Canada Day

“With an eye for design, culinary daring and a clear adventurous streak, Clayoquot Wilderness Resort shows just how wild luxury can get.”

Lodestars Anthology, Canada