Earlier this year, Chef Alex Kim took home gold at the 2025 Canadian Culinary Championship, impressing judges with his standout dish, “Taste of the Pacific Northwest.”
Born and raised in Seoul, Alex made the move to Edmonton as a teenager, and then relocated to Vancouver in the spring of 2017. With over 16 years of experience working in luxury hotel chains, Alex has fine-tuned his craft, creating dishes that have captivated diners across Canada. For the last 8 years, Alex has worked in the heart of downtown Vancouver, gaining experience at some of the city’s most respected restaurants, including Shangri-La, Glowbal, and now Five Sails. What draws him to downtown Vancouver is the vibrant, diverse cultural scene, with everything “within walking distance.” This unique energy fuels his creativity and keeps him inspired.
As the Culinary Director at Five Sails, Alex continues to shine in his craft. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the harbour at Canada Place, the restaurant is renowned for its innovative European-inspired cuisine, crafted with fresh, seasonal ingredients from the Pacific Northwest. “Five Sails offers breathtaking waterfront views,” Alex says, which sets the stage for the exceptional dining experience that he and his team work tirelessly to provide.
For Alex, the true joy of working at Five Sails lies in the collaboration. Some of his highlights include brainstorming fresh, innovative menu ideas with his talented team as well as getting to work with “amazing and passionate wine makers, wine club members and sommeliers” to craft food and wine pairings. Alex is also no stranger to pushing culinary boundaries, especially when it comes to corporate events. He thrives on the opportunity to create experiences that are both unique and imaginative, particularly when companies request something “whimsical and out-of-this-world.”
Looking ahead, Alex is excited about the future at Five Sails, now under the Glowbal Restaurant Group. With a strong focus on sustainability and a commitment to using local produce, the restaurant is evolving in new and exciting ways. “I’m also excited about downtown Vancouver’s potential for significant growth,” he adds. As the city embarks on development projects aimed at creating a more livable and sustainable urban environment, Alex is eager to see how these changes will attract even more visitors and residents.
You can visit Five Sails and experience some award-winning cuisine at 999 Canada Place. Feeling inspired to host your own “whimsical, out-of-this-world” event? Submit an event request.
