I am a longtime enthusiast of all culinary facets with a primary focus on restaurant dining, wine, beer, spirits and cocktails. Seeking out new tastes is my holy grail, whether it be a new restaurant, a new wine or beer or tasting the evolution of dishes or cocktails at one of my favourite spots. I have always paid close attention to what I have tasted, building my knowledge by recording my impressions and comparing to my constantly expanding experience.

My knowledge has also been augmented by reading constantly, both print and the ever expanding wealth of information available online. Finally, in talking to the many of talented people who make up the Vancouver culinary scene I have learned so much. The knowledge, skill and passion that is so prevalent in this community is truly inspiring.

Cote Brune is the Vancouver metro area moderator for metaCuisine. In this role, it is my hope to further strengthen the culinary scene in Vancouver by bringing quality information to a wider range of people and in so doing open eyes, noses and palates to the incredible food products available in the region and the talented chefs, restauranteurs, brewers, winemakers, distillers, sommeliers, cicerones, cheesemakers, farmers, fishermen, ranchers and all others who contribute to the internationally recognized food culture we have here.

Despite all the great products and restaurants we have, I see a real risk to the sustainability of the current level of culinary excellence in that despite a core group of outstanding establishments and a core group of consumers who appreciate and support our local producers and restaurants, that only with a greater awareness among the general public will the current situation be viable. Recently we have seen this, that in difficult economic times several of the brightest lights in the local culinary scene have gone out. Yet, the casual fine dining chains thrive. Its not clear that Vancouver deserves what we have, but at least we should be active in promoting what we do have lest we lose even more of it.