We won!! #ChefStories started as a simple idea and turned into a two-year journey of discovery, interviews, shoots, re-shoots, countless hours in the edit and (last but not least) a lot of delicious bites!
We are so grateful to have the trust and support of @telus@storyhive and all who agreed to be on-screen (@matthias.fong@chefeliaherrera@foodkarmablog@chef.dannybeaulieu & @chefjennykang ) and to have won Best Short Documentary at the Toronto Short Film Festival is just the icing on the cake! 🍰
We’re excited to share #chefstories with you, so stay tuned for more ….
All the glory to God! ☝️🙏🙌
#dowhatyoulove #yycchefs #bestrestaurants #yyccinematographer #yycfilmmaker #calgarycinematographer #calgaryfilmmaker #artoftheinterview
I’ve been using my iPhone as a c-cam for years, but always gun-shy to use it as my primary.
Switching to DaVinci Resolve for colour grading and post-stabilization has made all the difference. It’s no cinema camera replacement, but I’m finally happy with skin tones and colours (at least in good light), even if the highlight roll off is a bit harsh.
What do you think? Would love to hear your thoughts on this footage and how you’re leveraging your iPhone.
nerdy details:
Shot handheld on @apple iPhone 15 Pro Max
lenses: 5x telephoto (first shot only); main 24mm for everything else
recorded with the @blackmagicnewsofficial iOS app - 10bit Apple Log HD H265 60p (some food shots slowed 50%)
Edited in DaVinci Resolve. no LUTS, but lots of tweaking and use of power windows. Planar Tracker stabilization used when needed.
location: @posthotelspa
#shotoniphone #michelinkey
As our kids have grown and one has moved out east for studies, it’s become harder to schedule time together as a family.
One of our favourite places to visit is @posthotelspa . It’s a beautiful drive from Calgary, and with hospitality that extends even to our pup, it was the perfect way to celebrate Mother’s Day.
From exploring nearby trails, to the most spoiling Afternoon Tea, Post Hotel was the perfect setting to enjoy delicious food over meaningful conversations with maybe just a little too much laughter 🤭
Life won’t slow down, but we’re glad to be able to steal away and create beautiful memories with the people that matter most.
#SeizeTheRockies #CRMR #CRMRShare #michelinkey
Thank you to all who came out to support our Filmmakers Showcase.
We’re so grateful this event sold out, but even more grateful for the energy people brought into the room. The feedback has been so positive, and it meant a lot to see the audience so engaged with the films and the Q&A.
A huge thank you to our filmmakers, Dave & Quin Cheung @dqstudios , Eunice Hau @sparrowcountmedia , Yuqi Kang @yuqi_kang , and Steph Wong Ken @stephwongken , for sharing their work and stories with us. They were so happy to see a full room there to support them.
This is why we do these events. To bring people together, share stories, and create more reasons to gather in Chinatown.
Thank you for being part of it.
CHEF STORIES
Dave & Quin Cheung
2025 | 27 min.
Chef Stories follows four diverse chefs from Calgary and Canmore who share their personal stories of passion, resilience, and creativity. From farm-to-table innovators to masters of multicultural cuisine, each chef’s style reflects their cultural heritage, curiosity, and deep connection to the local community. With each plate, these chefs showcase their unique ability to bring people together, bridging cultures, traditions, and flavours that make southern Alberta a true culinary destination.
Dave & Quin Cheung are a husband and wife team of storytellers based in Calgary.
Over the past two decades, photography and filmmaking commissions have sent them to document stories worldwide, including those in Italy, Argentina, Indonesia, Panama, Spain, India, Thailand, Germany, Greece, and across North America. From shooting world-class performers on the largest of stages to documentary films in the slums of Indonesia, their subjects have varied considerably. Still, the story of human connection through the lens of cinematic beauty is always their priority.
Join us on May 9. Full details and registration are in our bio.
Cultural Chef Exchange: Chef Ton × Chef Darren.
Chef Thitid “Ton” Tassanakajohn (@cheftonn ) from Le Du (1 Michelin star, no.1 Asia’s Best 50 Restaurants) joined Chef Darren MacLean for two sold-out seatings.
Thank you to everyone who joined us.
📍 EIGHT, Calgary
@cheftonn@ledubkk@chefdarrenmaclean@eight_cdn@chefchan.tcy@jesus.turpin@jiwanchoii
📸 Exquisitely Captured by @dqstudios
#ChefExchange #ChefTon #LeDu #CalgaryEats
Last week we had the opportunity to participate in @rivercafeyyc ’s annual Roots & Shoots dinner - a culinary celebration bringing local chefs together to showcase local ingredients.
It was a very special night of collaboration, good spirits, and beautiful food. With an energy that represents the best of what a great restaurant experience can do - it was a wonderful bringing together of people to share something special.
Maggie Hall discusses ‘The Clowns’ a new work from her upcoming exhibition in Venice, Italy.
Maggie Hall’s landmark exhibition opens May 5th at 2pm along on the grand canal. Curated by @ryngreen
Work shown:
The Clowns, 2026
acrylic on canvas
48 x 48 inches (121.9 x 121.9 cm)
Room 1, Palazzo Priuli Bon
Love You to Death apre a Venezia, Italia, il 5 maggio sul Canal Grande.
Maggie Hall racconta il significato di The Clowns — una delle nuove opere presentate per la prima volta nella sua mostra a Venezia.
La mostra di Maggie Hall durante la Biennale di Venezia 2026. A cura di @ryngreen
Our next Filmmakers Showcase is coming up on Saturday, May 9.
Join us for an afternoon of short films by Asian Canadian filmmakers with ties to our local community, featuring work from Dave & Quin Cheung @dqstudios , Eunice Hau @sparrowcountmedia , Yuqi Kang @yuqi_kang , and Steph Wong Ken @stephwongken .
Each film explores themes of diaspora, food, family, and the connections between past and present generations. A Q&A with the filmmakers will follow.
🗓️ Saturday, May 9, 2026
⌚️ Doors at 3 PM,3:30 PM to 5:30 PM
📍 Chinese National League - 110 3 Ave SE
🎟️ Admission is $5 (Drink and snack included)
🔗 Full details on website. Link in bio
🙏 This event is supported by the @cityofcalgary Chinatown Activation Microgrant.
‘Love You to Death’ opens in Venice, Italy, May 5th.
On view across two venues, Palazzo Priuli Bon and Domus Civica, a landmark exhibition during the 2026 Venice Biennale. Curated by @ryngreen
—
Love You to Death
May 5 to November 15, 2026
Palazzo Priuli Bon
Santa Croce, 1979/A
30135 Venezia VE, Italy
Exhibition continues at Domus Civica
Calle de le Sechere, 3082
30125 Venezia VE, Italy
—
In conversation with Jeanne Beker
May 5, 2026
2:00 to 3:00 PM
Palazzo Venart, Venice
RSVP required for attendance
DM for details and to attend
Opening reception to follow
3:00 to 5:00 PM
Palazzo Priuli Bon
—
Love You to Death apre a Venezia, Italia, il 5 maggio.
In mostra in due sedi, Palazzo Priuli Bon e Domus Civica, una mostra di rilievo durante la Biennale di Venezia 2026. A cura di Ryan Green.
—
Love You to Death
5 maggio – 15 novembre 2026
Palazzo Priuli Bon
Santa Croce, 1979/A
30135 Venezia VE, Italia
La mostra continua presso Domus Civica
Calle de le Sechere, 3082
30125 Venezia VE, Italia
—
In conversazione con Jeanne Beker
5 maggio 2026
14:00 – 15:00
Palazzo Venart, Venezia
RSVP richiesto per partecipare
Scrivici in DM per dettagli e partecipazione
A seguire opening reception
15:00 – 17:00
Palazzo Priuli Bon
Clos de la Oyster Barre (@closbarre ) at @teatrorestaurant — what a way to close out YYC EXP 2026 ✨
An unforgettable night of hip-hop, candlelight, and seriously standout food and wine. From creative small plates to an electric atmosphere, this was one for the books.
A huge thank you to Chef @coulsoncooks , @matthewabatey , Executive Chef @camilokobek , and the entire team for bringing the vision to life, and to everyone who joined us to celebrate.
📷: @dqstudios
#yycexp #downtowncalgary
