Joey Restaurants hires 2015 Sommelier of the Year Jason Yamasaki

by Charlie Smith on April 1st, 2016 at 7:51 PM

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For years, Jason Yamasaki has been one of Vancouver's most respected wine experts.

He was named winner of the 2015 Sommelier of the Year at the Vancouver International Wine Festival. And since 2009, Yamasaki has ensured that Chambar Restaurant's wine list is as admired as its food.

But today, a tweet from Georgia Straight wine columnist Kurtis Kolt revealed that Yamasaki has taken a new job.

He's going to work for Joey Restaurants.

https://twitter.com/KurtisKolt/status/716018972856979456

It's reminiscent of Iron Chef America champion Rob Feenie's decision to join Cactus Club Cafe several years ago.

Yamasaki has a bachelor's degree in hospitality management from Vancouver Community College.

He was once employed as a busboy at White Spot before moving to Chicago for a year, where he worked at the prestigious Avenues Restaurant in the Peninsula Chicago hotel.

In 2009, Yamasaki returned to Vancouver and joined Chambar.