About

James Walt
Culinary Director, Whistler

One of the country’s leading chefs, a cookbook author and a “farm-to-table” pioneer, James Walt continues to inspire his guests, creating compelling regional cuisine based on local, sustainable ingredients. A graduate of the Stratford Chefs School, his impressive culinary career spans across several of British Columbia’s leading restaurants including a four-year tenure at Sooke Harbour House and as opening chef to sister restaurant Blue Water Cafe in Vancouver. James was also Executive Chef to the Canadian Embassy in Rome, Italy; an experience that helped shape the way he cooks today.

James is Whistler’s only chef to cook at the celebrated James Beard House in New York City where he has performed on three separate occasions. He has been voted best chef in Whistler by Pique Newsmagazine and was inducted into the British Columbia Restaurant Association Hall of Fame in 2011.

James continues to oversee the kitchens of Araxi, The Cellar by Araxi and Bar Oso in addition to his new duties at Il Caminetto.

James lives in nearby Squamish where he works closely with local farmers and producers and personally selects the freshest ingredients featured on the Il Caminetto menu.

Darin Newton
Director of Operations – Whistler

Prior to entering the food service industry, Ontario native, Darin Newton earned his degree in psychology and human resources at Bishops University. More recently, he has completed the International Sommelier Guild Diploma (top of class in service), Certified Sommelier level through Guild of Master Sommeliers and the advanced Wine and Spirit Education Trust (London, UK) diploma with Distinction.

Having cut his teeth at preeminent restaurants like Il Caminetto Di Umberto and The Rimrock Cafe, Darin’s Whistler-focused training has molded his experience and expertise in resort dining. Darin served as Restaurant Manager and Sommelier at Araxi Restaurant + Oyster Bar since 2015, where he has developed a loyal following, and in November 2016, was promoted to the role of Senior Restaurant Manager before becoming the Restaurant Director of Il Caminetto. 

Darin’s education and personable manner have served him well. “My passion comes from the dynamic nature of the industry – it is ever-changing, and I always look forward to finding innovative wine pairings and to interacting with our diverse clientele. I want our guests—both local and international—to take away a personal connection,” says Darin of his dedicated attention to detail in service.

Skiing and snowboarding by winter and mountain biking by summer, Darin is also an experienced rock climbing guide, having scaled peaks in the Whistler area, as well as many others across the world.

Mark Mcloughlin
Executive Chef

Chef Mark discovered his passion for food at a young age by cooking for family and friends. He entered the hospitality industry at the age of fifteen and has never looked back.

After graduating from the Chef Training Program at George Brown College in Toronto, Chef Mark began his fine dining journey in notable kitchens across Canada. On the east coast, he honed his culinary skills at Pickering’s Port Restaurant, Blue Mountain’s Oliver & Bonacini, Montreal’s Barroco and the Inn at Bay Fortune in P.E.I.

In 2013, Chef Mark made his way to the west coast to join Chef James Walt’s award-winning team as Sous Chef at Araxi Restaurant. After earning the title of Executive Sous Chef at Araxi, Chef Mark transitioned to Il Caminetto and took on the role of Chef de Cuisine in 2019. Today as Executive Chef, Mark continues to work closely with Chef Walt crafting Il Caminetto’s dynamic menu of Italian-local fare featuring the season’s best.

Chef Mark finds inspiration at every turn, from extraordinary ingredients, Whistler’s local producers, his culinary community and most importantly our guests’ experience.

When Chef Mark is not in the kitchen developing his team or experimenting with a new dish, he can be found enjoying Whistler life to the fullest – from snowboarding to fishing to foraging in the forest.

Ryan Hayes
Wine Director

Like many of his peers at Il Caminetto, Ryan came from afar (in his case Fredericton, New Brunswick), for a six month visit, fell in love with Whistler, and is still here 13 years later! A highly experienced restaurant manager, Ryan worked for eight years at the former Il Caminetto and Trattoria di Umberto, then left to polish his wine knowledge at the Okanagan’s Painted Rock Winery near Penticton. Ryan enjoys both loyal local and long distance followings for his enthusiasm and deep wine knowledge, and spends his winter days-off barrelling down the hill on his snowboard.

“I love the refreshed Il Caminetto, and working with my colleagues, both old and new,” he says. “But my real joy is arranging marriages of Chef Walt’s wonderful modern Italian dishes with just the right bottle, and lighting up a guest’s smile.”