Last Wednesday August 7th, 2008, my wife and four children had lunch at the Sequoia Grill at the Teahouse. First, we were surprised by getting a very good table out in the terrace 20 minutes earlier than we were promised, so it was a nice start, besides seeing that you have a beautiful place and great kitchen. Once there, we were only served with the most care, professionalism and just very warm, friendly and efficient by all staff. We were mainly taken care of by John Ferrie.

Finally when we were ready to go we asked to get a cab and John, as usual, helped to get us that…

We then waited and waited for the taxi cab to arrive and, as you probably know better than I do, it took a very long time. As well, being six people we needed two taxis. Finally, one showed up after an hour or even a bit more, so I sent my wife and two of our children on. I and the other two children stayed behind for at least another 20 minutes when John showed up after his break. When he saw us there he immediately offered to personally drive us to our hotel. This was an offer that was way out of what he needed to do and I insisted that he did not have to do that but he insisted. So not only did he drive us to our hotel but on the way he was the most incredible promoter of the beautiful city of Vancouver and ended up recommending places to go and see.

I have visited Vancouver a few times and I have always though of it as the nice and beautiful city it is but frankly, John takes the top award and the Hall of Fame for a Vancouver citizen and ambassador.

I hope I can one time in the future be John’s host and just pray I can be half as good as he was to us!!

Nominator’s Name and Address:

Ricardo Montaudon President and Managing Director Group RCI – The Americas
Parsippany, NJ