Kristian Eligh, Executive Chef

Returning to his hometown of Victoria, Executive Chef Kristian Eligh leads our culinary team at Marilena Cafe and Raw Bar. Prior to our opening, Chef Kristian held positions in world renowned Michelin starred restaurants like Jean George in New York City, The French Laundry in Napa and Blackbird in Chicago. Most recently, Chef Kristian spent six years as Culinary Director for Vancouver based Hawksworth Restaurant Group, leading the Nightingale and Hawksworth teams respectively, achieving accolades such as Vancouver Magazine’s Chef of the Year in 2011 and 2012.

An avid free-diver and fisherman, Chef Kristian brings his passion for coastal cuisine to Marilena Cafe. Inspired by local offerings, his approachable dishes celebrate global flavours accented by seasonal ingredients, creating an unforgettable dining experience for our guests. Chef Kristian looks forward to delivering a hospitality experience that speaks to the Victoria community and to be able to contribute to the growing dining scene on Vancouver Island.

Aaron Matsuzaki, Restaurant Manager

Originally from Richmond, British Columbia, our dedicated Restaurant Director Aaron Matsuzaki leads our front-of-house team at Marilena Cafe and Raw Bar. Aaron joins us with eighteen years of hospitality experience, previously holding senior positions at established Vancouver restaurants Nancy Go Yaya and MIKU, prior to moving to Victoria in 2022 to open Marilena Cafe.

Inspired by our passionate team, Aaron looks forward to welcoming the Victoria community and delivering an unparalleled hospitality experience for our guests.

Clark Park, Sushi Chef

Sushi Chef Clark Park joins the Marilena Cafe and Raw Bar team with eighteen years of hospitality experience. Originally from Seoul Korea, Chef Clark has worked as Sous Chef at MIKU in Vancouver, and most recently as General Manager and Head Chef at Yua Bistro in Victoria.

Chef Clark looks forward to sharing his passion for hospitality and welcoming guests to experience his signature Marilena Cafe raw bar creations.

Dominique Laurencelle, Pastry Chef

Originally from Winnipeg, our Pastry Chef Dominique Laurencelle brings twenty-two years of hospitality experience to Marilena Cafe and Raw Bar. Prior to moving to Victoria in 2019 to join the Boom + Batten team, Chef Dominique held positions all over Western in Canada including Kelowna, Whistler and Langara Island.

Chef Dominique is excited to welcome guests and share her passion for creating stunning pastries and desserts with the Victoria community.

Jayce Kadyschuk, Bar Manager

Jayce has been a member of the hospitality industry throughout Western Canada for over twenty-two years. In 2013, he moved to Victoria, B.C to lean into professional cocktail bartending and take on the Head Bartender position at Clive’s Classic Lounge in the Chateau Victoria. Under Jayce’s leadership, Clive’s secured three “Top Ten World’s Best Hotel Bar” nominations (Tales of the Cocktail – Spirited Awards 2014, 2019, 2020). In 2021, Jayce joined the Marilena Cafe and Raw bar team as our Bar Manager to develop our beverage program and looks forward to creating an unforgettable experience for our guests.