TJ has a passion for both West Coast and Asian cuisine. His culinary curiosity began with his roots in the Philippines and has taken him as far away as kitchens in Taiwan and Chile. Organic, local and sustainable ingredients are the highlight of his dishes.
After training under French chefs at the Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts, TJ honed his skills at The Arbutus Club and in the hotel industry, most recently as executive chef at Delta Hotels Vancouver Downtown Suites by Marriott. He was an integral member of the Coast Coal Harbour Hotel’s opening team before the 2010 Winter Olympics. TJ has executed hotel functions for hundreds of people, elaborate galas for the Japanese, Filipino and French Consulate, and large-scale events like the BC Food & Beverage Awards and Chefs in the Hood.
He now owns Ono Vancouver, where he uses his expertise, creativity and connections to make an impact in the food industry. His business services—event catering, private dining and ReRoot home meal replacement—all fuel his community-minded goals:
Read more about Ono Vancouver's community impact.
The Nosh Podcast Ep 190 The Nosh - Chef & Food Security Advocate TJ Conwi
Nov. 30, 2024 | 100.6 Coop Radio Vancouver | Anya Levykh
Chef TJ on the Pechakucha Stage Volume 58 Talking about his journey through food and his art
Sept. 21, 2024 | Vancouver Playhouse | Design Vancouver Festival
Keeping Thanksgiving dinner affordable
Oct. 5, 2023 | BC Today - CBC Vancouver | Michelle Eliot
Vancouver chef tackles food insecurity one meal at a time
July 6, 2023 | The Georgia Straight | Bridget Stringer-Holden
Pinoy chef sa Vancouver ginamit ang talento para tulungan ang mga nakakaranas ng gutom
March 23, 2023 | Omni News | Rhea Santos
Jan. 16, 2023 | FoodMesh
These talented chefs are using a surplus of food to feed those in need
July 16, 2021 | Daily Hive Dished | Hogan Short
These six Canadians are making the country a better place
Dec. 13, 2021 | Tangerine