“For Sean, the stamina required for a life in the kitchen comes from a genuine love of caring for people.”

Sean fell in love with the rhythm of the line early, in his very first experience of running the dish pit at a local BBQ joint near his family home. He didn’t know that being a Chef was in his blood, but even at a young age, he was hooked on the organized chaos, the tactile nature of working with his hands, and the honest pursuit of learning a craft from the ground up.

That first spark took him from the dish pit to the classroom at Toronto’s George Brown Culinary School, and eventually across the ocean to the acclaimed Alma in Parma, Italy. Sean spent his time in Europe cutting his teeth in kitchens ranging from humble bistros to Michelin-starred institutions across Italy, Spain, and France. Upon returning home, he completed his apprenticeship at Toronto’s Via Allegro.

Since then, his craft has taken him on a tour of Canada’s diverse culinary landscape, running lines in Edmonton, Montreal, Toronto, and now Vancouver.

The spirit of The Mackenzie Room mirrors Sean’s own approach to food: a relentless focus on technique, a dedication to flavour development, and a commitment to letting locally sourced ingredients speak for themselves.

For Sean, the stamina required for a life in the kitchen stems from a genuine love of caring for. He believes that a deep-rooted spirit of hospitality is the key to longevity in this industry. His goal is to plate dishes that do more than just satiate; he wants to evoke nostalgic flashbacks and spark sensations, ensuring the experience at the table is as memorable as the flavours on the plate.

As for the future, Sean believes the work is never truly done. He approaches every service with a hunger for improvement, challenging both himself and his team to dig deeper. It’s a commitment to constant growth—sharpening skills, tightening service, and expanding their culinary horizons side-by-side. With this belief and constant effort, Sean has led his team to four Michelin Guide awards for The Mackenzie Room, back to back from 2022-25. By remaining students of the craft, Sean ensures that The Mackenzie Room continues to mature, promising guests that the best is always yet to come and we can't wait to welcome you in.