Meet Our Talented Team

The passionate individuals behind every exceptional dining experience at Lumière

Our Culinary Leadership

Meet the visionaries who craft our extraordinary culinary experiences

Executive Chef James Laurent

James Laurent

Executive Chef

With over 20 years of experience in Michelin-starred restaurants across Europe, Chef James brings a unique perspective to classic cuisine, infusing traditional techniques with modern innovation.

After training in Paris and working in renowned kitchens in London and Barcelona, Chef James returned to his native Canada to create a dining experience that celebrates local ingredients with global influences.

His philosophy centers on respecting ingredients, minimizing waste, and creating dishes that surprise and delight without being pretentious.

Cooking is not just about ingredients; it's about bringing a piece of your heart to the table and creating memories that last a lifetime.
James Laurent
Head Pastry Chef Sophia Chen

Sophia Chen

Head Pastry Chef

Sophia's journey in pastry began in her grandmother's kitchen in Hong Kong before formal training at the Culinary Institute of America and apprenticeships in Paris and Tokyo.

Her desserts are known for their perfect balance of flavors, innovative presentations, and subtle fusion of Eastern and Western techniques.

At Lumière, Sophia has created a dessert program that serves as the perfect finale to the dining experience, with each creation telling a unique story.

Dessert is the exclamation point at the end of a great meal. It should be memorable, beautiful, and leave you wanting just one more bite.
Sophia Chen

Culinary Team

The talented chefs who bring creativity and precision to every dish

Chef de Cuisine

Michael Rodriguez

Chef de Cuisine

With a background in Spanish and Mediterranean cuisine, Michael oversees the daily kitchen operations and menu development alongside Chef James.

The kitchen is my canvas, and ingredients are my paint. Every dish should tell a story.

Sous Chef

Emily Thompson

Sous Chef

Emily specializes in sustainable seafood and has been instrumental in developing our ocean-to-table program with local fisheries.

Respect for ingredients begins with understanding their origin and treating them with care.

Grill Chef

David Kim

Grill Chef

David's expertise in dry-aging techniques and fire cooking has elevated our steak program to new heights.

Fire is the oldest cooking method, yet still the most exciting. It brings out flavors nothing else can.

Pastry Sous Chef

Olivia Martinez

Pastry Sous Chef

Olivia works alongside Chef Sophia to create our signature desserts and handcrafted chocolates.

Pastry is the perfect balance of science and art. Precision with a touch of whimsy.

Saucier

Thomas Wilson

Saucier

Thomas is a master of classical French sauce-making, bringing depth and complexity to our dishes.

A great sauce can elevate a dish from good to unforgettable.

Garde Manger

Sarah Johnson

Garde Manger

Sarah oversees our cold kitchen, creating beautiful appetizers, salads, and charcuterie selections.

The first impression matters. A beautiful appetizer sets the tone for the entire meal.

Service Team

The professionals who ensure your dining experience is flawless from start to finish

Restaurant Manager

Robert Anderson

Restaurant Manager

With over 15 years in fine dining, Robert orchestrates the entire front-of-house operation with precision and warmth.

Hospitality is about making people feel welcome, comfortable, and special.

Head Sommelier

Claire Dubois

Head Sommelier

Claire has curated our award-winning wine list and provides expert pairing recommendations for our guests.

Wine is a journey of discovery that enhances the dining experience.

Maître d'

Jonathan Pierce

Maître d'

Jonathan oversees reservations and ensures each guest receives personalized attention from the moment they arrive.

The first and last impressions are what guests remember most.

Head Bartender

Alexandra Lee

Head Bartender

Alexandra creates our signature cocktails and has an encyclopedic knowledge of spirits and classic mixology.

A great cocktail should be balanced, beautiful, and tell a story.

Senior Server

Marcus Williams

Senior Server

Marcus leads our service team with his extensive knowledge of fine dining etiquette and attention to detail.

Great service should be attentive yet unobtrusive, like a perfectly choreographed dance.

Events Coordinator

Natalie Chen

Events Coordinator

Natalie plans and executes private dining events and special occasions with creativity and precision.

Every special occasion deserves a memorable celebration tailored to the guests.

Our Values

The principles that guide our team in creating exceptional experiences

★

Excellence

We are committed to excellence in every aspect of our operation, from the ingredients we source to the service we provide.

★

Creativity

We embrace innovation and creativity, constantly evolving our menu and experiences to surprise and delight our guests.

★

Sustainability

We are dedicated to sustainable practices, supporting local producers, and minimizing our environmental impact.

★

Hospitality

We believe in genuine hospitality that makes every guest feel welcome, valued, and cared for.

★

Teamwork

We foster a collaborative environment where every team member is respected and empowered to contribute their best.

★

Passion

We are passionate about food, wine, and creating memorable experiences that exceed expectations.

Our Accolades

Recognition of our commitment to excellence

🏆

Best Fine Dining Restaurant

Toronto Culinary Awards, 2022

🏆

Chef of the Year

Canadian Culinary Excellence, 2021

🏆

Outstanding Wine Program

Wine Spectator, 2022

🏆

Sustainable Restaurant

Green Dining Guide, 2023

Join Our Team

We're always looking for passionate individuals who share our commitment to excellence and hospitality.

View Opportunities