Chef Profile – Darnell Japp

Growing up on the family farm in Saskatchewan, Darnell knew he wanted to be a chef the first day he walked into a restaurant kitchen at the age of 14. To pursue his career as a chef he moved to Calgary to attend SAIT for the Professional Cooking Program. After graduating on the Dean’s List in 2004, and completing his Red Seal designation in 2007 he was ready to put his skills to the test in the Calgary dining scene.

After gaining invaluable knowledge from some of Calgary’s top chefs, Darnell decided it was time to head his own kitchen brigade. After being introduced to the owners of Avec Bistro, Darnell and his team were awarded the 2012 best new restaurant in the city by John Gilchrist. Since then, some key positions held by Chef Darnell have been Executive Sous Chef at the well known Rouge, when they received the prestigious St. Pellegrino’s #60 Restaurant in the World, Executive Chef at Bears Den Restaurant as well as returning to Rouge in 2018 as Executive Chef. His latest venture as Chef/Owner of Chef’D Catering, a private chef service providing clients with premium custom dining experiences.