Vancouver chef and restaurateur nominated for prestigious Canadian Immigrant Award
Canadian Immigrant recently released the finalists for this year’s Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Awards, and Vancouver chef and owner of Delara, Bardia Ilbeiggi, has made the list.
“22 years ago, I immigrated to Canada, looking for opportunities, dreaming of a successful life,” shared Ilbeiggi. “Canada has been my home since then, where now I have a family and a business I’m so proud of.”
Ilbeiggi and Delara are no strangers to the limelight, with the Persian restaurant being a Michelin-recommended spot, as well as making the longlist for Air Canada’s Best New Restaurants in 2022.
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Canadian Immigrant also had some nice words for Ilbeiggi, too.
“He is one of the first people to apply meticulous classical cooking techniques to traditional dishes from Iran, elevating the flavours and textures to familiar yet surprising territory,” wrote Canadian Immigrant. “He is passionate about sharing his Iranian heritage, making it more accessible through his thoughtful and delicious dishes, as well as a stylish environment and relaxed but kind service. Additionally, Ilbeiggi is dedicated to cooking seasonally and continues to evolve and improve Delaraâs menu.”
According to Canadian Immigrant, Ilbeiggi was born and raised in Tehran and immigrated to Canada from Iran in 2003 to attend university, studying aerospace engineering at Carleton University in Ottawa. Then, he moved to Toronto and worked at IBM for several years after graduation. However, Ilbeiggi still had a love for cooking, so after a few years he left his job to attend culinary school in Paris and begin his career as a chef.
After his culinary training, Ilbeiggi worked at the Michelin-starred Frenchie in Paris, and then returned to Vancouver to work at L’Abattoir and Farmer’s Apprentice. After 10 years of restaurant experience, primarily focusing on French and Pacific Northwest techniques and ingredients, Ilbeiggi set out to develop his own restaurant and opened Delara in the summer of 2021.
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For those unfamiliar, Delara is a 2,400 sq. ft., 60-seat restaurant offering what is described as âhumble yet elegantâ Persian food. Think sourdough flatbread and seasonal dips, BBQ meats, veggies, braises, and stews with crispy saffron rice, pickles, and strained yogurt.
Everything here is delicious, but those looking for a recommendation can’t go wrong with the Grilled Beef Ghalieh, a grilled and slow-cooked beef short rib served in a tangy stew made of caramelized onions, herbs, and tamarind, topped with fried shallots and toasted sesame seeds. Plus, you can’t go wrong with an order of Delara’s Walnut, Date, and Honey Baklava for dessert.
Marco Ovies/Dished
Ilbeiggi is currently part of the 75 finalists nominated for the Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Awards. People can vote online for three of their favourite candidates to make it into the top 25.
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