DERON ENGBERS :

Biography: Deron Engbers – Chef de Cuisine

Bringing his imaginative culinary style and experimental flare, Deron Engbers takes Eggplant to the next level in 2007 as Chef de Cuisine. Engbers calls Eggplant’s kitchen his new home after an amazing run at Mirabelle on Yonge Street revitalizing old favourites. Now on King Street East, he injects his signature style to Eggplant’s menu infusing delicious French cuisine with local fresh and in-season ingredients. Engbers also offers an enthusiastic versatility for his diners, catering to people’s diverse tastes and working with them if what they crave isn’t exactly featured on the menu. In addition, Engbers’ menu is guaranteed to wow patrons with every bite, taking them on a mouth-watering adventure into French cuisine that will tempt their taste buds and keep them wanting more.

Engbers began his foray into the industry by chance as a summer job; joking that as a child “I was banned from that room [the kitchen] by my mom in fear that I would destroy it!” Eventually his little summer venture evolved into his life’s passion, and in 1995 Engbers performed his apprenticeship at the Westin Hotel Edmonton. Over the next few years Engbers further developed his resume, highlights of which include: Garde Manager and Saucier at the Raincity Grill under the direction of Chef Scott Kidd and as senior Chef de Partie and later Sous Chef at the Wickaninnish Inn.

Engbers relocated to Toronto in 2002, and hit the ground running at Auberge du Pommier, followed by Crush Wine Bar and then became executive Sous Chef at EAU restaurant. Making a name for himself on the Toronto scene after a few short years, Engbers was recruited by Executive Chef Tawfik Shehata at The Savoy Bistro & Lounge. In his position at The Savoy Bistro & Lounge, he achieved remarkable recognition from the Toronto media. Among the numerous accomplishments, Engbers’ skill and expertise garnered a nomination in NOW magazine’s “Top 9 of Dine” Chef distinction awards, an invitation to participate in the Gourmet Food & Wine Expo 2005 and various other rave reviews from local food media. In addition, Engbers has been celebrated by the city’s most respected online guide Toronto.com, with his restaurants voted in their “Top 10 of the year’s best restaurants” two years in a row.

It was at The Savoy that Engbers worked closely with Eggplant’s current General Manager Dave Billington. Billington esteemed Engbers’ extraordinary talent in the kitchen so much, that he lured him into taking the helm as Eggplant’s Chef de Cuisine.

Engbers’ future at Eggplant promises to deliver patrons exceptional fine dining experiences day after day on King Street East.