Jesse Croy - Executive Chef
Executive Chef Jesse Croy has been cooking in kitchens throughout the Okanagan Valley for over thirteen years. He has spent the last few years at Summerhill Pyramid Winery’ Sunset Bistro, where his approach to locally-sourced ingredients has captured the adoration of a loyal following of locavores. This dedication and talent paved the way for the Sunset Bistro to capture the top spot in the annual Taste Kelowna competition for three consecutive years.
A childhood on a country lakeside farm instilled Croy’s love for food and the power of food to be able to bring people together. In 1995 he enrolled at Thompson University in Kamloops. Two years later, he moved south to Kelowna and began working at restaurants, wineries and hotels such as Summerhill Pyramid Winery, Quails’ Gate and Hotel Eldorado.
In 2005, Croy returned to Summerhill Winery as sous chef under Chef Grant De Montreuil, who assisted Croy in earning his Red Seal and becoming a CCFCC member. After two years of mentorship and introduction to local growers and artisans, the natural feel of honest pure ingredients familiar to country life fuelled his passion further. Croy assumed the position of executive chef after De Montreiul’s departure.
In the years that followed, Chef Croy has coordinated a network of local farmers and growers to build his menus, showcasing Canada’s finest wild and organic products. Croy continues to develop his style using organic vegetables from Summerhill’s own on site culinary permaculture garden. Carefully harvested and processed, these ingredients have become key components in the Sunset Bistro’s seasonal menus. Chef Croy is a firm believer in balancing simplicity and complexity when approaching the plate, ensuring the ingredient and its origin are always well respected.