Much of Ned’s life was spent growing up in British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley, instilling a lifelong passion for fresh and locally sourced cuisine. His culinary studies began at Dubrulle Culinary School, where instructor Rob Feenie inspired Ned to follow him to Le Crocodile and later to the opening team of Lumiere, a restaurant that put Vancouver on the global culinary map.
Looking to broaden his culinary horizons, Ned moved east to hone his talent at key positions in Toronto and Niagara. A few years later Ned heeded the call of the west and was soon awarded the “Best Overall and Rising Star Award” from WHERE magazine after opening Murrieta’s Grill in Calgary. In 2007, Ned fulfilled a dream and returned to his Okanagan roots to become co-owner and chef at the Kelowna lakeside favourite, Cabana Bar and Grille where he was soon ranked one of Western Living magazine’s “Top 40 Foodies Under 40.” Ned remains involved in Cabana Grille as a consulting Corporate Chef.