Francois de Jong

Raised on the west coast in a food focused family, at an early age, Francois knew he wanted to be a chef. He graduated from the Culinary Arts program at The College of New Caledonia, did his apprenticeship and earned his Red Seal Certification at La Belle Auberge under the watchful eye of Chef Bruno Marti. There Francois learned the joys of culinary competitions and started networking with chefs in Canada around the world. Francois has a wide range of culinary experiences from small farm to table restaurants, Hotels, private chef, opening restaurants in China, to camp cooking for major Hollywood movies. Having moved to Nanaimo in 2006, he enjoys an active outdoor life style with his family and friends where most activities either start or finish with food. Teaching in the VIU Culinary Arts department has been a natural transition from working in restaurants and creates a space for him to work with, mentor and train alongside the next generation of cooks. For more information feel free to contact Instructor Francois de Jong.