We connect with Executive Chef Cameron Bell of Bardō Restaurants.

What inspired you to become a professional Chef?
I have always had a passion for food, and working in kitchens is the only job I enjoyed growing up. I was inspired by the creativity, camaraderie, and energy that is present in a kitchen.

Being in charge of one of the most desired restaurants in Ontario has a side order of expectations; how do you manage those for diners and your staff?
Balancing the needs of your guests with the needs of your staff can be challenging. We pride ourselves on quality and genuine hospitality which can be demanding, so I look to lead by example and inspire my staff by showing up to work every day, energetic and ready to go.

How do you ensure consistency in quality for diners?
The team and I work diligently on developing recipes, systems, and procedures to do our best to ensure we deliver a great experience.

What is it about cooking that brings you joy?
Working in a fast pace environment with like minded people that love food.

What's the key to a successful, inviting menu?
Delivering a balanced selection of seasonal offerings that are relatable to your guest. I like to keep the key components of my menu that brought the space to life, than rotate seasonal items out for dishes that at one time were features that sold really well.

Bardō has earned Open Table's "Top 100 Restaurants in Canada" and their "Diners Choice" awards; what do you specifically attribute that to?
I believe those awards are a direct reflection of the hard working staff that work at Bardo. From the pastry department that makes our pizza dough and bakes delicious, fresh pastries for our properties every morning, to the host that greets you with a big smile when you arrive.

What succinct advice do you have for aspiring Chefs?
Nothing in life that is worth anything comes easy. Kitchen work is hard work, to become a chef takes time and thousands of hours of honing your craft. Put in the time, do the work, believe in yourself, the rest will come.

How do you unwind?
My favorite way to unwind is run.

What's one of your favourite meals to prepare at home?
My favourite meal to prepare at home would be anything on the BBQ. Its really the only thing I enjoy cooking at home, anything on the grill.

Who inspires you?
My family inspires me; my wife is extremely hardworking, she does not stop. My daughters are very bright and creative, I look to my family for inspiration often.

The newest Bardō location, led by Executive Chef Cameron Bell, opens in downtown Burlington at 421 Brant Street on Friday, April 25th.

bardorestaurants.ca