Ernst Dorfler Chef/Owner

Ernsts’ diverse career began when he left his home in Sirnitz, Austria at the age of fifteen to become an Apprentice at the Four Star Trattlerhof Hotel in Bad Kleinkirchheim. Armed with formal French and Swiss training Ernst left to see the world, enriching his cultural and gastronomic experience in Germany, Switzerland, South Africa and Canada.

Ernsts’ Canadian culinary adventures have taken him from the East to the West Coast. He commenced his Canadian “tour” at the Quebec Hilton in Quebec City, followed by the Westin Hotel, Waldens Restaurant and the Four Seasons Hotel in Edmonton and eventually bringing him to Vancouver in 1988 as Executive Chef of the Five Diamond, Pan Pacific Hotel.

From 1981 to 1992 Ernst competed in the culinary arts locally, nationally and internationally achieving over 30 gold medals. He has been proud to represent Canada at seven international culinary events and was a member of the acclaimed Canadian Culinary Olympic Championship Team in 1992, achieving the highest honour of gold medal for best overall team/country at the World Culinary Olympics in Frankfurt, Germany. Click here to see picture.

Ernst has continued to win praise and accolades from Vancouverites and visitors to the Five Sails Restaurant and the Pan Pacific Vancouver – both of which have been consistently recognized with the AAA Five Diamond designation since 1990.
Along with Gerry his wife, as the new proprietors of the Five Sails Restaurant, Ernst is excited to be focusing his talents and extensive experience where his heart’s passion truly lies – preparing wonderful food with quality ingredients and the chance to give his very best to guests at their table.

Gerry Sayers Owner/Operator

A born and educated Vancouverite, Gerry Sayers’ career in the hospitality industry commenced after she graduated from UBC with a BA in English Literature. Gerry’s over 20 years of extensive food and beverage experience includes; Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Delta Hotels and 16 years at the Five Diamond Pan Pacific Hotel as Director of Catering.

Gerry’s extensive repertoire as the consummate host ranges from organizing exclusive off-premise parties in private residences, and product launches for prestigious brands, in addition to orchestrating world leader conferences, fundraiser galas, welcome receptions in the Hotel’s unique Atrium lobby and countless wedding celebrations.

Gerry has been recognized for her highly personalized form of guest service winning the Vancouver Tourism Service Excellence award in March 2003 and her leadership talents were rewarded with a Pan Pacific Hotel “Leader of the Year” designation.

Gerry and her husband Ernst have achieved recognition, success and appreciation as they worked symbiotically over the last 16 years; their combined talents are an exciting personal opportunity to provide an unforgettable dining experience in their new home – the Five Sails Restaurant.

Masa Mabuchi Sous Chef

A talented Sous Chef, Masa Mabuchi was born in Hamamatsu, Japan where he was classically trained as a cook prior to moving to Edmonton in 1981. Masa’s Canadian experience includes positions at the Westin, Four Seasons, Walden’s Restaurant and the Pan Pacific Hotel in Vancouver where he moved in 1999 to become the Sous Chef in the Five Sails restaurant.

Masa has worked with Chef Ernst Dorfler at both the Four Seasons, Walden’s and the Pan Pacific Vancouver. He is pleased to work with Ernst more directly now under his private ownership and takes great pleasure in preparing “good food that makes people happy.”

Masa is a conscientious hard worker, the gem behind the scenes that always delivers, and keeps the kitchen running like a perfectly oiled machine.

Ramón Fresneda Sommelier

Five Sails Sommelier, Ramón Fresneda was born in Alcoy, Spain and grew up next door to vineyards, wine producers and with the bouquet of grapes fermenting in the air. In addition, many of Ramón’s relatives owned their own wineries and vineyards resulting in a childhood upbringing encouraging a natural appreciation and love for wine that he says is “like the blood in his veins.”

Ramón brings his extensive restaurant background from Spain and over fifteen years of Pan Pacific five diamond service experience at the Five Sails restaurant. Ramón shares his wine expertise and talents and is known as an approachable Sommelier. He takes great pride and pleasure introducing guests to wines in which they may not be familiar resulting in delight and appreciation in the discovery of something new that also balances perfectly with the Five Sails cuisine.