Lesley Stav

Lesley Stav

Author: Robert Belcham of the Chefs Table Society of BC June 3, 2025 Duration: 1:21:07

I am so happy to share this Podcast with you. I first met Lesley in 2022, the North Vancouver Island Chefs Association was putting on the first meal of of first in person COOKSCAMP. Remember this was the first time we were really able to get together after the pandemic. Lesley and Ronald led a good sized contingent from the North Island and delivered a delicious lunch and amazing continued support of COOKSCAMP ever since. Chef Lesley is a no nonsense, no bullshit person who knows exactly what they want in the kitchen and in life. She tells some absolutely amazing stories of her life before the professional kitchen and also her life changing time with Chef Bruno Marti. Now retired but would put most Chefs to shame with the amount of work she still does. All for the benefit and betterment of our industry. 

I hope you enjoy the episode.

Send us your feedback


Hosted by chef Robert Belcham, Mise en Place-the Podcast pulls up a chair for candid, substantive conversations with the people shaping British Columbia's vibrant food scene. This series, presented with the Chefs' Table Society of BC, moves beyond recipes and menus to explore the real architecture of a life in hospitality. Each episode is a deep dive with restaurateurs, producers, and culinary leaders, unpacking the complex business decisions, career pivots, and personal philosophies that define their work. Listeners get an authentic backstage pass to the pressures, triumphs, and often-unseen logistics of running kitchens and dining rooms. The discussions naturally reveal the interconnected culture of local food, from farm relationships to dining room dynamics. Belcham’s perspective ensures these aren’t just interviews, but nuanced dialogues full of practical insight for anyone invested in this world. The podcast serves as an oral history of a community in motion, documenting the craft, economics, and human stories behind the plates. It’s for those who appreciate that a great restaurant experience is built on a foundation of meticulous preparation-the true meaning of its namesake. Tune in for thoughtful, grounded talk that respects the intelligence of both its guests and its audience.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 135

Mise en Place - the Podcast
Podcast Episodes
Episode 4 - Tech Talk [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:29
Even though the restaurant industry may not be returning to 'normal' after this current and unprecedented global event, some substantial changes were already on the agenda.It's hard to overlook is how technology allows u…
Episode 3 - Culture Shift [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:52
There's no doubt that putting Episode 3 of Mise-en-Place together was a challenge, mostly because its featured elements were recorded in late February before the world changed, especially for all of us in the restaurant…
Episode 2 - Local Flavours [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:12
In this episode, chef/host Robert Belcham is joined by Andrea Carlson (Burdock & Co., Harvest Community Foods) and Brian Luptak (The Acorn, Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts) for a feature conversation on the future of…
Episode 1 - Culinary Futures [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:02
In this episode's featured conversation, chef/host Robert Belcham talks about the changes coming (and needed) to education for the next-generation of professional cooks. His guests are Tony Minichiello, chef/owner of Nor…