One Last Thing: David Hawksworth

David Hawskworth | BCBusiness

An admitted potty-mouth, chef David Hawksworth honed his craft in Europe’s toughest kitchens. Today he’s devoted to B.C.’s mountain culture


When do you get your best ideas? While playing squash.

Where is your favourite post-work drink? At my bar having a paper plane, or a beer at Gotham.

Which talent would you most like to have? I would love to walk up to a piano and belt out a number like Chris Martin or Billy Joel.

Which words or phrases do you most overuse? They are all X-rated.

What is your greatest extravagance? Heli-skiing.

What is your most marked characteristic? I’m a tad competitive.

How do you take your coffee? Americano, black.

What’s your preferred method of communication? In person, face-to-face.

When and where are you happiest? When I am about to ski something steep and deep with a ton of trees around—like at Retallack.

What is your greatest regret? I never applied myself at school.

What do you consider your greatest achievement? I lasted 10 years working in Europe’s toughest kitchens.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? Where do I start?

Which business person do you most admire? Locally, Brian Hill is amazing; afar, Richard Branson.

What is your favourite destination for business? New York—very inspiring.

On what occasion do you lie? When I put the six-year-old to sleep and I say I’m going to bed right after.

What is your favourite motto? “If at first you don’t succeed, call an airstrike.” Banksy.