The Goods from Gaia House
Vancouver, BC | Gaia House (Gaia), the hospitality group behind Nammos Estiatorio, Selene Aegean Bistro, and AMA, is thrilled to welcome chefs Brent Thornton and David Cassese to its growing culinary family. The pair joins Gaia ahead of an exciting new project. In preparation, the pair will host a special dinner pop-up on December 8, 2025, featuring French-inspired dishes.
Thornton and Cassese first cooked together at Vancouver’s acclaimed St. Lawrence Restaurant. Now, years later, they reunite at Gaia House.
“Brent and David represent the next generation of talent we’re proud to represent Gaia House,” says Yianni Kerasiotis, who co-owns Gaia House with his brother, Petro Kerasiotis. “They bring skill, creativity, and a lot of passion to what they do. This traits define what we stand for as a hospitality group.”
Thornton was most recently chef de cuisine at Michelin Guide-recommended ELEM, and previously, Is That French and Good Thief. He grew up in Ottawa, working in several notable kitchens before making the move to Vancouver. “Working with the team at Gaia House is the culmination of a lot of hard work, and getting the opportunity to cook with my best friend again is a blessing,” explains Thornton. “I didn’t grow up in kitchens. I have a business degree, once I found cooking, my life has completely changed.”
Cassese, who most recently cooked at Michelin-starred Restaurant Sat Bains, has spent almost half his life in professional kitchens, specializing in classical French cuisine while drawing inspiration from his global travels. His culinary journey also includes Joe Beef, Alo, and Richmond Station. “I’m still madly in love with cooking,” Cassese says. “My journey started in Toronto as a 14-year-old kid scrubbing pans and maybe getting lucky enough to cut a sack of potatoes. I love food and I love this craft. I am excited to work with my best friend again, bringing my background of French cuisine and dedication to providing the best I can to the new venture.”
As a preview of the upcoming project, the duo are hosting a special one-night-only December Holiday pop-up ($160 per person) on Monday, December 8, 2025 in the Kavita space, featuring a seven-course French-inspired menu. Guests can expect dishes such as boursin mousse with puff pastry and cured navel beef lardons, tea-smoked sablefish with curry tea broth and daikon kraut, and poached venison with gigante beans and roasted chanterelles. Two seatings are available – 5:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Tickets are available online.
In addition, guests can also find Thornton at the Holiday Club with a special six-course collaboration dinner with chef Jefferson Alvarez on Saturday, December 6, 2025.
“Gaia House was built on the idea of bringing people together,” adds Yianni. “We’re excited for everyone to see both Brent and David shine.”
For more information Gaia House and its hospitality brands, please visit www.gaiahouse.ca and @gaiahouse.ca on Instagram.
Dining and Cooking