Fairmont Empress Welcomes New Executive Chef Isabel Chung

- A new female chef is taking the helm at Canada’s Castle on the Coast -

Fairmont Empress proudly welcomes its brand-new Executive Chef, Isabel Chung, who oversees all creative and strategic culinary initiatives at the historic hotel. With an impressive career spanning over two decades, Chef Chung joins an elite circle of female chefs leading Fairmont properties worldwide.

Chef Chung brings a wealth of experience and a passion for culinary excellence to Fairmont Empress. She began her culinary journey in 2001 at Delta Bow Valley in Calgary, Alberta, and has since held prestigious positions at Fairmont properties across the globe, including Fairmont Southampton, Fairmont Chateau Whistler, and Fairmont Olympic Hotel in Seattle. Most recently, she served as Executive Chef at Fairmont Orchid on the Big Island in Hawaii.

She is known for her commitment to sustainability and her love for the Pacific Northwest's rich culinary landscape. Her philosophy emphasizes simplicity and authenticity, allowing the natural flavours of the region to shine in her creations. In 2019, Chef Chung was invited to the Accor Headquarters in Paris to participate in a pollinator initiative where she showcased her expertise in beekeeping and her pursuits towards building a greener planet. She is always looking for ways to make a positive impact through her culinary endeavours.

“Sustainability is a core value in my approach. I always strive to incorporate sustainable practices to do my part in helping create a healthier planet for future generations. Beyond that, I’m very passionate about passing down my knowledge and mentoring new chefs. I am excited to revive the culinary apprenticeship program at Fairmont Empress, where I can guide and inspire the culinary leaders of tomorrow,” said Chef Isabel Chung.

Her culinary inspirations are deeply rooted in her family heritage, with fond memories of cooking alongside her parents who imparted their cooking techniques. Among her signature dishes is a sesame sizzled steam fish, reflecting her connection to her cultural roots and her commitment to creating dishes that evoke comfort and nostalgia.

As Chef Chung joins the female dominated food and beverage team at Fairmont Empress, she looks to shine a spotlight on Victoria’s burgeoning food and beverage scene and invites everyone to come and experience Q at the Empress and Afternoon Tea in Lobby Lounge under her helm.

About Fairmont Empress

Recognized as the #2 Best Canadian City Hotel in Travel + Leisure's 2024 World's Best Awards and honoured as a top Western Canadian Hotel in the 2024 Condé Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards, Fairmont Empress is located in the heart of Victoria, BC overlooking the city's sparkling Inner Harbour. The MICHELIN key and Forbes-recommended hotel is a distinguished 4 Green Key property committed to sustainable practices. The 1908 historic site offers 431 beautifully appointed guest rooms and suites, Fairmont Spa with signature West Coast experiences, Q at the Empress featuring Pacific Northwest cuisine with an award-winning wine list—while home to one of the World's most iconic Afternoon Tea experiences. Following a $60+ million restoration completed in 2017, the hotel has transformed into an elegant must-visit destination where modern luxury intertwines with timeless charm. In 2023, the property introduced a reimagined Fairmont Gold Experience. 88 Fairmont Gold rooms await to be guests' home away from home, while a newly renovated lounge offers guests a cozy haven in the city and a private outdoor terrace peers over a perfectly manicured landscape. Historic Hotels Worldwide honours the property's prestigious grounds as the Top 25 Most Magnificent Gardens in the World, making it the perfect starting point for exploring Vancouver Island's stunning natural beauty.

About Fairmont

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts is where the intimate equally co-exists with the infinite–an unrivalled portfolio of more than 80 extraordinary hotels where grand moments of life, heartfelt pleasures, and personal milestones are celebrated and remembered long after any visit. Since 1907, Fairmont has created magnificent, meaningful, and unforgettable hotels, rich with character and deeply connected to the history, culture and community of its destinations–places such as The Plaza in New York City, The Savoy in London, Fairmont San Francisco, Fairmont Banff Springs in Canada, Fairmont Peace Hotel in Shanghai, and Fairmont The Palm in Dubai. Famous for its engaging service, awe-inspiring public spaces, locally inspired cuisine, and iconic bars and lounges, Fairmont also takes great pride in its pioneering approach to hospitality and leadership in sustainability and responsible tourism practices. Fairmont is part of Accor, a world-leading hospitality group counting over 5,300 properties throughout more than 110 countries, and a participating brand in ALL – Accor Live Limitless – a lifestyle loyalty program providing access to a wide variety of rewards, services and experiences.