Six Degrees Bistro Announces Chef Alessa Valdez as Executive Chef for 2024/2025 Season
Chef Valdez brings a wealth of culinary expertise and a passion for innovative cuisine, setting the stage for an exciting new chapter at the bistro.
Chef Valdez’s remarkable career spans some of the top dining establishments in Toronto and beyond. She began her culinary journey at Buca Yorkville, where she mastered Italian cuisine with a focus on precision and technique. She continued to hone her skills at Auberge du Pommier, a landmark of French fine dining, where she pushed the boundaries of traditional culinary presentations.
"We are beyond excited to have Chef Alessa Valdez join us," said Ana Mooney, owner of Six Degrees Bistro. "Her experience across diverse cuisines and her passion for, sustainable ingredients align perfectly with what we’re building here. Her leadership and creativity will continue to elevate the dining experience for our guests."
Her creative culinary talent was further refined at Alo Bar, part of the Michelin-starred Alo Restaurant Group, where she developed a flair for multi-course tasting menus that combine global flavours with modern techniques. In 2021, Chef Valdez made the move to Phantom Creek Estates in British Columbia’s South Okanagan, embracing the region’s farm-to-table philosophy and deepening her connection to local, sustainable ingredients.
Chef Valdez’s new menu will reflect her classical training, innovative techniques, and respect for seasonal ingredients from the Okanagan Valley. Guests can look forward to a dynamic menu that blends bold flavours with artistic presentations, creating a truly memorable dining experience.
“Our goal is to enhance the overall guest experience at Big White, and we are very proud to have Chef Alessa Valdez’s culinary talent with us this season,” said Michael J. Ballingall, Senior Vice President of Big White Ski Resort. “After a day on the slopes, our guests can relax in the cozy, slopeside, fireside atmosphere of Six Degrees Bistro and enjoy a meal that reflects both the beauty of the region and the rich culinary tradition she brings to the table. It adds a whole new dimension to what makes Big White special.”
The bistro will open for the winter season on December 12, 2024, welcoming guests to an unparalleled culinary journey in the heart of Big White Ski Resort.
About Six Degrees Bistro: Renowned for its intimate fireside dining room, Six Degrees Bistro offers an upscale yet cozy atmosphere where guests can relax and watch the snowfall while enjoying mountain-inspired cuisine. The bistro is a passion project for all involved, paying homage to the majestic mountains of Big White. At Six Degrees, food and wine are celebrated as sources of ultimate joy, and the restaurant’s philosophy centers on the belief that innovative cooking techniques create the perfect setting for gathering around the table with loved ones. For reservations or more information, please visit sixdegreesbistro.com or contact us at info@sixdegreesbistro.com.
About Big White Ski Resort: Founded in 1963, Big White Ski Resort is a beloved, family-owned and operated destination, renowned as one of Canada’s premier locations for winter sports and outdoor adventure. Spanning over 2,765 acres of diverse skiable terrain, Big White offers an unmatched experience for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. The resort is home to Canada’s second-largest lift system and boasts the largest night skiing area in Western Canada, delivering excitement both day and night. The 2024-2025 winter season is scheduled to kick off on November 28, 2024. Learn more at bigwhite.com.