Kareen is a vibrant force in The Pointe Restaurant’s kitchen and a beloved member of the Wick family. Originally hailing from Jamaica, she was drawn to Tofino by the beauty of the Pacific Rim and the enthusiastic recommendation of a friend. Now, her favourite place is Mackenzie Beach, where the tranquility of nature inspires her daily.

Kareen’s culinary journey began with a love for hospitality inspired by her family’s tradition of gathering friends and relatives around shared meals. She chose cooking as her vocational skill in high school and a deep passion for the culinary arts blossomed over the semesters. Now, her creativity shines through in every dish, and her role as a cook at the Wick allows her to express that artistry while supporting her teammates with kindness and encouragement.

This summer, Kareen successfully led our Crab Cookout throughout July and August, taking this opportunity to showcase her creativity in an outdoor setting. Earlier this year, Kareen also brought her love of competition to the table and triumphed at the Pacific Rim Whale Fest Chowder Chow Down. “I knew we had to amplify our chowder with a twist,” she shares, “My concept was a fusion, using some local ingredients with a hint of jerk spices from my culture. I was thinking go hard or go home.”

Known affectionately as “Mama,” Kareen’s impact extends beyond the kitchen. During the holidays, she led our holiday choir, performing at the Inn's Holiday Light Tour & Fundraiser and the Tofino community Christmas dinner organized by local charity Fish and Loaves, bringing joy to many. When asked about when she is happiest at work, she shares, “When I work as an AM leader, here my creativity is more flexible, making daily features,” she continues, “I also like going around checking on my co-workers by giving a hug or just a word of encouragement. When they are happy, I am happy.”

Kareen takes great pride in her journey, recognizing the significance of the chances she took to start anew in a different country. She brings an incredible attitude to each day, commits to delivering the best service and ensures that every plate leaving the kitchen reflects her love and passion for culinary excellence. We are grateful for the dynamic, compassionate, and ambitious energy she brings to our team!

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