Calgary couples cookin’ up romance in the kitchen B y S H E L L E Y B OE T TC H E R
If you work in the restaurant industry, you likely don’t do much — except work — on Valentine’s Day. While other couples meet for romantic meals, you’re setting the stage for their special day. But there’s still plenty of romance in the restaurant industry. Everywhere you turn, you’ll find couples in the kitchen in Calgary.
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Photo by Eluvier Acosta
HEY GOOD LOOKIN’
Heather + JP Pedhirney Heather and JP Pedhirney met while working together at Parkerhouse restaurant, an eatery that briefly operated downtown a decade or so ago. Sparks may have flown — no one confesses — but the pair kept things professional. JP went to work in Chicago for a time, and Heather started working at Rouge. The pair reconnected a few years ago at Rouge, and the rest is history. JP is now the Concorde Group’s vicepresident, culinary operations, while Heather is the operations manager for River Cafe and Deane House. And they still love to talk about — and eat — good food. “We’ve had some really romantic dinners,” says JP, recounting tales of unforgettable feasts at Hotel Villa Franca in Italy, and the three Michelin-starred Alinea in Chicago. “We definitely have a shared passion for our industry, and for eating out.” But they’re just as happy at home on a rare night together, off from work. “Any time we can sit down together is romantic, I think,” Heather says. “I love any Italian pasta, but I also love when we do a hot pot together, too.” JP’s the best cook, but Heather’s organized. “When JP cooks at home, he cooks like he’s in a restaurant,” she says, laughing. “I have to remind him that he doesn’t have a souschef to clean up after him. I’m his sous chef at home. He goes through so many dish rags!” As for a Valentine’s Day meal together? Highly unlikely, they both say simultaneously. They’ll be busy at work that night, one of the busiest days in the year for anyone in the business.
14 W I N T ER 2022 S AVO U RC A LG A RY.c a
Vanessa Rundell + Pierre Lamielle Pierre Lamielle and Vanessa Rundell have long been part of Calgary’s culinary scene. Lamielle is a cookbook author, chef, caterer and culinary instructor, while Rundell has worked at Rouge, Bow Valley Ranche Restaurant and The Lake House on Bonavista. The two met when Lamielle was emceeing a culinary event at the Calgary Stampede. Rundell — chef and owner of Preserved — had her jams in the event’s black box and was offering tastings nearby. Now they live together on a farm near Okotoks, where they are creating a garden and expanding Rundell’s food business. “We make pickles, jams and preserves, all from Alberta-grown ingredients,” she says. Lamielle does most of the cooking at home — but he relishes the days when Rundell takes over. “Vanessa makes the most incredible barbecue. I think she should compete,” Lamielle says. “She’s a great chef, much better than I am.” Who’s messiest in the kitchen? They both laugh. “Pierre thinks it’s me, but I think it’s him,” says Rundell.
