Q & A with Whitewater Head Chef Luca Paola
If, like me, you grew up in Ontario, you might also have traumatic memories of soggy French fries and Styrofoam-like burgers at the nearby ski resorts. The memory still makes me shudder.
Fortunately, Whitewater’s culinary team dishes up no shortage of handcrafted meals made freshly on site. I spoke with the resort’s new Head Chef Luca Paola about how he landed the gig and his thoughts on WH2O Pow Chow.
Q: What drew you to Whitewater?
A: Five years ago I was working up north in Smithers BC. The sous chef I hired put a little birdie in my ear about the food and skiing at Whitewater. I had the Whitewater cookbooks and knew a bit about the reputation. Later I was working in Tofino when I saw an opening for here. Another buddy pushed my to apply so I went for it. This is my first season here and I'm loving it. The crew is awesome and the people here are amazing.
Q: Why does Whitewater’s food have such a legendary reputation?
A: It's made from scratch. You don't see these types of offerings at most ski hills. I'd say 90% of our food is made in house and we outsource items like buns that we can't produce enough of ourselves.
Q: What 3 words would you use to describe the pow chow?
A: Fresh, Local and Comforting
Q: If you could eat only one thing on the menu, what would it be?
A: I’m a hot dog freak. I eat a hot dog a day. Yeah I know it’s kinda gross, but it’s my guilty pleasure.
Q: What’s your vision for food at Whitewater?
A: I want to keep growing our program by supporting fresh local products. We’re strong advocates and like to work with local farmers.
Q: Where can you be found when you’re not running the kitchen at the lodge?
A: Either on the hills, at home, or shopping for the kitchen, but I’m almost always up here. The riding is fantastic. I’ve never seen terrain like this. I was born and raised in Ontario so I grew up on groomers and night skiing.
Q: Anything you’d say to someone thinking about visiting Whitewater?
A: Come and enjoy the food and snow, that’s what it all comes down to. The snow brings them here, and the food keeps them coming back.
John also likes hot dogs, especially with cheese and bacon. He is considering upping his weekly intake after speaking with Luca.