Welcome to Suyo
Celebrating the Diversity of Peruvian Cuisine
Peruvian Cuisine combines the flavours of four continents. Its beginning dates back to the Pre-Inca era with their aji hot peppers, maize and vast variety of potatoes. With the arrival of the conquistadores, the evolution began. Over the next centuries, French, Italian, African, Chinese and Japanese influences helped shape what we know today as comida Peruana.
Suyo
Team
Ricardo Valverde
Chef, Owner
Twenty-four years after moving with his family to Canada from Peru, Chef Ricardo Valverde now sees the culmination of his professional career, personal experience, and heritage in the opening of SUYO. Named for a Quechuan word that means “homeland,” SUYO honours Valverde’s family and country of birth, and benefits from a culinary career that has included almost every position in a professional kitchen.
The first of its kind in Vancouver and in Canada, SUYO serves authentic Peruvian cuisine with a modern approach, introducing diners to his own versions of the most popular dishes in Peru: from ceviches and tiraditos, to causas and anticuchos. “These are dishes and flavours unique in it’s style, my way to invite you into my homeland” says Valverde . . . and he can’t wait for you to try them.
The first of its kind in Vancouver and in Canada, SUYO serves authentic Peruvian cuisine with a modern approach, introducing diners to his own versions of the most popular dishes in Peru: from ceviches and tiraditos, to causas and anticuchos. “These are dishes and flavours unique in it’s style, my way to invite you into my homeland” says Valverde . . . and he can’t wait for you to try them.
Felix Ng
Operations, Partner
SUYO represents tech entrepreneur Felix Ng’s first foray into the hospitality industry, but he’s long been a fan. Born in Hong Kong, Ng came with his family to Vancouver before his first birthday, and as a self-described foodie, has been closely following the development of the city’s restaurant scene. When his long-time friend Chef Ricardo Valverde asked him if he wanted to partner in SUYO he said yes without hesitation.
Ng started tech company Synapsis in Richmond, B.C. in 1995. Named one of Canada’s Top 100 Fastest Growing Companies in 2003, it continues to flourish; now he brings his business acumen and experience to this new venture.
Ng started tech company Synapsis in Richmond, B.C. in 1995. Named one of Canada’s Top 100 Fastest Growing Companies in 2003, it continues to flourish; now he brings his business acumen and experience to this new venture.
James Reynolds
GM, Partner
It was early in his hospitality career that General Manager, James Reynolds knew he’d found his calling. Providing an exceptional experience for guests, often during the buzz of a busy dinner service, makes use of his problem-solving skills and keeps him motivated and learning. Born in England, Reynolds found his way to Canada’s West Coast by way of the Caribbean. It was there, tasting new dishes, experiencing unfamiliar flavours and textures, that he truly fell in love with food.
Once in Vancouver, Reynolds climbed the ladder at long-running North Shore favourites Bravo Cucina and La Regalade, then joined the team at Blue Water Café, where he met Chef Ricardo Valverde. The all-star team both in the kitchen and front of house created an inspiring atmosphere, and Reynolds was able to refine his service skills and knowledge under the tutelage of Restaurant Director Stephan Cachard. From there he moved into a management role at westside gem La Buca. Even with such a noteworthy resume, the seasoned hospitality veteran believes his proudest career moment is still ahead, in partnership with his new team at SUYO, as Managing Partner and Winer Director executing Valverde’s dream of modern Peruvian cuisine.
Once in Vancouver, Reynolds climbed the ladder at long-running North Shore favourites Bravo Cucina and La Regalade, then joined the team at Blue Water Café, where he met Chef Ricardo Valverde. The all-star team both in the kitchen and front of house created an inspiring atmosphere, and Reynolds was able to refine his service skills and knowledge under the tutelage of Restaurant Director Stephan Cachard. From there he moved into a management role at westside gem La Buca. Even with such a noteworthy resume, the seasoned hospitality veteran believes his proudest career moment is still ahead, in partnership with his new team at SUYO, as Managing Partner and Winer Director executing Valverde’s dream of modern Peruvian cuisine.
Max Curzon-Price
Bar Manager
For SUYO Bar Manager Max Curzon-Price, the creative process inherent in building a bar program holds undeniable allure and keeps him as excited about his chosen profession as when he first started in it at the age of 18. “In what other role can you conceive of a concept or theme and then build a program around it that evokes all the senses?” he asks.
Curzon-Price’s passion for versatile products that tell a story are showcased throughout the SUYO beverage program with all many varieties of Pisco for his bespoke cocktail list (which will include the classic pisco sour, naturally).
Curzon-Price’s passion for versatile products that tell a story are showcased throughout the SUYO beverage program with all many varieties of Pisco for his bespoke cocktail list (which will include the classic pisco sour, naturally).