Roots and Shoots
Wednesday April 16, 2025
River Café hosts
Pluvio Restaurant and DOPO
Roots and Shoots is a culinary celebration exploring local ingredients, a distinct’ taste of place' and the meticulous use of the whole ingredient. Hosted by River Café, this event unites esteemed chefs who share a devotion to sustainable gastronomy and seasonal cuisine. Here, each dish is a testament to the region's bounty, crafted to honour the terroir and highlight the nuanced flavours of locally-sourced ingredients in season. Roots and Shoots is a culinary experience that celebrates the harmonious relationship between food, community, and the land.
Warren Barr, Executive Chef & Co-owner, Pluvio Restaurant
David Leeder, Executive Chef, DOPO
Kristen Livingston, Executive Chef, River Café
Wednesday April 16, 2025
6:30pm
Welcome Cocktail & Canapés
Six Course Dinner with Wine Pairings
$215.00 per person +gst
(includes service charge)
Pluvio restaurant + rooms, owned and operated by Warren Barr and Lily Verney-Downey, opened in April 2019 in Ucluelet after the couple found the perfect opportunity to purchase Norwoods restaurant and its land. Shortly after opening, it was named the 4th Best New Restaurant in Canada by enRoute Magazine, and by 2022, it was recognized as Canada’s Best Destination Restaurant and 37th Best Restaurant by Canada’s 100 Best. Warren, a BC native, began his culinary career at Doc Morgans Pub on Bowen Island, apprenticed at Vancouver’s Le Crocodile, and held his first Chef position at The Inn at Bay Fortune in PEI, where he embraced local cuisine. After years of seasonal work in PEI and Montreal, he returned to the West Coast as Executive Chef at the Wickaninnish Inn for six years before settling in Ucluelet. Pluvio is dedicated to offering a seasonally inspired menu featuring the finest ingredients from local farmers, fishers, foragers, and producers.
About Pluvio Restaurant and Executive Chef & Co-Owner Warren Barr
About DOPO and Executive Chef David Leeder
DOPO is a soulful expression of Italian cooking, honouring tradition through technique, seasonality, and thoughtful execution. As one of Avenue Magazine’s 2025 Best New Calgary Restaurants, Chef David Leeder channels his culinary experiences into creating modern Italian cuisine. David’s cooking foundation was shaped by his Italian grandmother, a Red Seal Chef, who instilled in him a deep respect for craftsmanship and hospitality. He refined his skills in Michelin-starred kitchens across Europe and North America, including Martín Berasategui in Spain, Noma in Copenhagen, and Michelin-starred Frenchie in Paris where he was Head Chef. In 2022, he joined Per Se in New York as Executive Sous Chef, working with Chef Thomas Keller as part of the restaurant’s leadership team. David is dedicated to quality and tradition, ensuring each ingredient on the plate is crafted with finesse, care and an appreciation for the art and respect of food.
About River Café and Executive Chef Kristen Livingston
River Café, one of Calgary’s most celebrated restaurants, is renowned for its stunning Prince’s Island Park location and commitment to Canadian, seasonal ingredients that embody a true ‘taste of place.’ Leading the talented kitchen is Executive Chef Kristen Livingston, a passionate advocate for sustainability and a champion of Canadian cuisine. Her coast-to-coast culinary journey has taken her from the shores of Prince Edward Island to St. John’s where she worked at Raymonds Restaurant, to Model Milk in Calgary, deepening her appreciation for Canada’s rich food culture. Consistently recognized among Canada’s top dining destinations, it ranks 23rd Best Restaurant on Canada’s 100 Best and was awarded Canada’s Most Eco-Friendly Restaurant in 2019.
Canadian Seasonal Cuisine
Supporting regional and local purveyors, farmers and coastal fishermen practising responsible stewardship of the land, rivers and sea.
All seafood selections are the best sustainable choices as recommended by Vancouver Aquarium’s Ocean Wise Program.