Chef & Restaurateur
Derek Dammann
Montréal
Co-owner of Montréal's Grille Nature and an industry veteran. Best-selling author. Native of Campbell River, BC. Cooking that's rustic and refined at the same time, combining BC and Québec terroirs.
Derek's culinary background includes experience in some of the world's most respected kitchens, where he developed a disciplined approach to flavour, technique, and kitchen culture. Early in his career, he worked in high-calibre environments that emphasized training, structure, and respect for ingredients — foundations that continue to influence his cooking style today.
As co-owner of Montréal's acclaimed restaurant Grille Nature, Derek is known for creating menus that feel both rustic and refined, drawing inspiration from British and European traditions while remaining deeply rooted in Canadian terroir. His food is often characterized by a respect for the land and a focus on hyper-local ingredients.
Great cooking is grounded in simplicity, honesty, and respect for ingredients — unfussy, but deeply intentional, and designed to reflect both place and producer.
Derek runs the kitchen on select multi-day expeditions where his rustic-refined approach is right for the trip and the group.