Partners
When two minds meet they think……
When two professions meet they dream….
When two ambitious people meet they succeed….
Meet the hearts and soul behind après…..
Bjarte Moe
Owner/Partner
Bjarte was born in Trondheim, Norway, and keeping with Norwegian tradition, he began skiing at the age of 2. Bjarte developed his abilities as a race skier in Norway and competed in Downhill, Giant Slalom and Slalom for many years. He has enjoyed many awards for his sportsmanship and performances – which were motivated by his love for the sport!
Bjarte learned to appreciate many other countries and cultures throughout his life. Traveling throughout the world has brought a very international flair to his beliefs. And, naturally he learned to appreciate his love for fine food at the same time. Bjarte has resided in several European countries, the US and has had seasonal residence in Canada for more than 12 years.
Once drafted to the Norwegian military he served 12 months of service but also went to officers school and served the Norwegian army for more than 5 years as an officer in the infantry.
As a Finance graduate from the Norwegian School of Business Administration (NHH) in Bergen, Norway the world of business opened up new adventures as Bjarte worked with Norwegian oil and shipping companies throughout Europe and finally landed in Austin, Texas - where he still claims his permanent residency. In Austin, Bjarte was able to reach his professional success as an executive of DELL Computer Corporation.
Bjarte found Whistler in the early nineties and has since been a “seasonal resident” of this beautiful community and majestic mountains! He is often seen ripping down the slopes, skiing with similar enthusiasm, as when he was a race skier.
Bjarte's passion for fine food has also inspired him to acquire his own Culinary Arts Degree from the French le Cordon Bleu Program from Texas Culinary Academy in Austin, Texas, where he continues to develop his culinary skills working with some of the best Chefs in Austin. As the owner of après, Bjarte is extremely proud of the modernly sophisticated ambience of this restaurant and knows that the impressive quality and presentation of the food @ aprés will make you loyal patrons.
Bjarte’s 3 children Alexander (1985), Madeleine (1989) and Emmalie (1995) are all frequent visitors to both Whistler and apres.
“I love what I do and I hate to fall” – have always applied to his business and sporting philosophy. At après, you are certain to have the finest meal in Whistler.
Eric Vernice
Executive Chef/Managing Partner
Eric was born in Roanne, France, and from the start, the tradition of Eric’s homeland in unparalleled gastronomy has sharpened his natural born skill in the kitchen. His background boasts the rare accomplishment of having worked in not one but three restaurants each appointed with the coveted Michelin star In the case of Troisgros in Roanne, France, the restaurant earned three stars from Michelin, the highest ranking by the world’s most recognized food guide.
Locally in Whistler, Eric’s name is synonymous with outstanding culinary performance. It was Eric’s leadership at the Bearfoot Bistro that first captured the interest of critics and foodies. As the Bearfoot’s Executive Chef for the first five years, it was Eric’s food that the press talked about. It was Eric’s food that led Wine Spectator magazine to describe it as "One of the finest dining experiences in British Columbia." When a New York restaurateur dined at the Bearfoot, he was so impressed, he instantly set about luring Eric to his establishment, and so began the furthering of Eric’s world-class mastery. In New York and then London England, Eric ran the kitchens of top-echelon restaurants. When an opportunity arose to operate his own restaurant in Whistler, Eric returned in 2002 with his wife Gillian and their three children. Eric’s restaurant Jayde (named after his daughter), stirred a strong, core following with its reputation of serving superb quality food at remarkably reasonable prices but sadly the restaurant closed, which then led to Eric taking the reigns of après kitchen.
In 2006 Eric became a partner in après, alongside new owner Bjarte Moe. With new ideas and lots of passion between the two, après will continue to rise above the norm in fine dining cuisine. Eric’s innovations in the kitchen will continue to dazzle and warm the hearts of food and wine lovers.
Eric is known for his personal style, of seeking harmony in the flavors of food, being creative yet respecting the roots of French cuisine. International travel and his French/Italian parents have influenced Eric’s passion for food, he strives on the fact that using only the best ingredients either locally or from around the world is what make his cuisine one thing you will not want to miss whilst in Whistler. Come and be wowed at après like thousands have been, since Eric Vernice discovered a knife, saucepan and lots of ingredients twenty some odd years ago.