In Focus is our gift to the community. A way for us to help show our recognition for the people, businesses, and organizations that help make our city great. The team at KelownaNow.com is passionate about this community and the people that make it amazing. We want to show our friends, neighbours, family and colleagues that we notice them and the fabulous things that they do.
What is your name?
Robyn Sigurdson.
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
I'm from St. Albert AB originally, but I've lived in Kelowna since I was 6.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My husband, he makes my life brighter.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Italy, fall and early winter is such a magical time! Tuscany and the olive harvest in early November are incredible.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Farmers Market all summer long!!
What is your favourite activity?
I have come to really love hiking!
If you had to choose: pizza, tacos, or burgers?
Burgers!
What is a hidden gem you enjoy in the Okanagan?
Our farmers! They are so passionate about what they grow. For me as a cook, it’s incredible and as a person it’s inspiring.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
The fact that I have been so fortunate to learn from the chefs, sous chefs and cooks that I have worked with is inspiring. Now I get to work with, and help to teach, passionate young cooks!
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Christmas and Thanksgiving at Grandma’s house with the whole family and my brother and sisters.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I try to be as involved in the Okanagan Chefs Association as possible with their community involvement.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
More love, peace and everyone could use a little more Zen in their life.
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Hiking!
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
Pincushion Mountain!
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
Being mindful of people who might need more support or a helping hand every day!
If you were granted one wish for work or in life, what would it be?
A few more hours in the day! lol
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I don’t really like oysters.
What is the name of your business/organization?
RauDZ Regional Table and Micro Bar and Bites
What does your business do?
RauDZ Regional Table is a restaurant that’s fundamentals were built on supporting local, whether it's through our culinary, beer or wine programs. Micro is a small tapas bar that not only supports our local farmers but also incorporates international inspiration.
How do people connect with you through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest)
You can connect with me through my personal Facebook page, RauDZ Facebook page or Micro's Facebook page. You can also check out my Instagram as well as RauDZ Regional Table and Micro Bar and Bites.
Where can people find your business online?
www.raudz.com
www.microkelowna.com
Why did you get into/start this business?
I started cooking because I loved my high school job at Tim Hortons, so I thought I should go to culinary school.
What is the goal of your business?
To be community-minded and continue to support our farmers and local suppliers as we support the growth and education of our team.
What has been your biggest struggle either in work or life?
Balance in both aspects.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I wouldn’t change anything. I am so blessed for those in my life currently and the road I have walked.
Why do you think it is important to shop local?
It's important to shop locally because you are supporting your neighbours and their families. Some people have been growing and producing the Okanagan for generations. That is something amazing to be able to be part of and support.
Give someone that you think deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Chef Bernard Casavant, who has helped shape, coach and teach so many young cooks that have gone on to do amazing things. Many of them are going on to become some of Canada’s finest chefs. I hope that all the young cooks who walk the hallways at Okanagan College realize what a privilege it is to learn from such a great chef.
We encourage you to leave your comments and words of support below and submit your own nomination by clicking HERE. You are also welcome to submit a form of your own by clicking HERE. Thank you, Kelowna.
If you get value from KelownaNow and believe local independent media is important to our community we ask that you please consider subscribing to our daily newsletter.
If you appreciate what we do, we ask that you consider supporting our local independent news platform.
