Staff Spotlight: Mahmoud Mohamed

Each year Pan Pacific Vancouver celebrates International Housekeeping Week. This year we threw our housekeeping staff a dinner and a 1960s themed karaoke talent show. A fun time was had by all! One of the people who spearheaded, as well as MC’d the event, was none other than the Director of Housekeeping, Mahmoud Mohamed. (in costume and everything!) And today we shine the staff spotlight on him!

Hello Mahmoud! How long have you been with Pan Pacific Vancouver?

Hello! I have been here two years.

What’s a typical day like as Director of Housekeeping?

Housekeeping is commonly referred to as ‘the heart of the hotel’, which I think is extremely fitting since any hotel would cease to function properly without this fundamental department.

My day in housekeeping starts as early as 6am until 6pm. I work with the 120 associates to prepare 503 rooms and suites to be ready for our guests by 4pm. I distribute assignments for the housekeeping team, as well as, recruit and train new employees. Also, I approve all supply requisitions and maintain a lost and found department.

What’s your favourite part about your job?

Seeing the guests’ reactions when we exceed their expectations and receiving positive feedback about my department or the hotel.

What are the most challenging aspects about your job?

That would be having 400 rooms cleaned after check-out (12pm) and be ready for 4pm, especially during our busy summer season. But we make it happen and with a big smile!

What’s the strangest thing you’ve ever found left behind in a room?

A guest left behind their wedding rings and passports after their wedding. The gest called the hotel from the airport and asked if we could send the items to the airport within 30 minutes. And of course, we did it.

Do you accommodate special requests from guests? For example, items they want in their room prior to checking in or during their stay in order to create that “home away from home” feeling the Pan Pacific Vancouver is known for? What’s the most memorable request?

Guests have asked us to have towels folded in the shape of animals (like they do in resorts) upon arrival. I folded an elephant and a monkey for them. The guest was so happy!

Tell us a little known secret about working in housekeeping?

We use multi-tasking products. Manufacturers love to sell consumers lots of little specialty tools and cleaning chemicals that do only one thing or clean one special type of surface because it’s an easy excuse to get you to buy more stuff. I suggest buying a disinfecting all-purpose cleaner than can also clean glass, a disinfecting bathroom cleaner and a floor cleaner that is safe on wood and tile.

You were named Pan Pacific Vancouver’s Leader of the Year in 2014. Congratulations on the achievement! Was it a surprise and how did you celebrate?

Thanks! It was incredibly humbling to be awarded, especially with such a great hotel like Pan Pacific Vancouver. I feel like it still hasn’t sunk in quite yet. I’m so thankful for all the support I’ve received over the last two years.

Last question! What do you like to do for fun when you’re not working?

I love spending time with my wife Noha, and my boys Abd elrahman and Omar, hanging out with friends, as well as, fishing and traveling!

Last weeks for Vancouver Art Gallery’s Of Heaven and Earth

Giuseppe Cesari’s The Archangel Michael and the Rebel Angels

Walk, if not run, to the Vancouver Art Gallery for the last couple of weeks of the ‘Of Heaven and Earth: 500 Years of Italian Paintings from Glasgow‘ exhibit.

The remarkable exhibit showcases some of the greatest names in European art:  Giovanni Bellini, Sandro Botticelli, Domenichino, Franchesco Guardi and Titian alongside other lesser-known masters. Themes and time periods range from the religious paintings of the late Middle Ages and Renaissance to the secular neoclassical and genre paintings of the 19th century.

Also running until October 4 is the Material Future Architecture of Herzog and de Meur exhibit. The Pritzker Prize-winning Swiss architectutral firm is internationally renowned for their innovative buildings, including contemporary museums.

Added bonus! In case you weren’t already in the know, Vancouver Art Gallery offers a pay by donation night every Tuesday from 5pm-9pm. A great value, but go there early or be prepared for line-ups!

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Celebrating Chinese Moon Festival at Sunday Brunch

The Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as, the Moon Festival is a time when people return home to have dinner with family, admire the full moon (which will be at its brightest) and make and share mooncakes – a hallmark traditions of the festival, signifying the unity of family.

In honour of the Mid-Autumn Festival, Cafe Pacifica will be adding some Eastern flavour to our delicious Sunday brunch menu that we’re famous for on Sunday, September 27.

At the salad buffet, guests can whet their appetites with Chinese long bean salad with soy ginger vinaigrette, cucumber and Asian pear salad, dressed with rice vinegar and ginger and sunomono salad with baby shrimp, cucumber and rice stick noodles.

Guests can get warmed up with some Tom Kha Gai chicken and coconut soup or chill out with a selection of Asian cold meats including jelly fish, pork hocks and BBQ pork.

At the dim sum station, pork and shrimp dumplings, BBQ pork buns, vegetarian pot stickers, vegetable spring rolls with plum sauce, hunan fried rice, and crispy Singapore noodle stir fry are sure to be a hit.

Hot entrees will include Szechuan peppered beef strip loin with sour cherry jus or pan seared ling cod with black bean sauce, Haji kami ginger, crispy lotus root and water chestnuts.

And finish it off with the dessert buffet featuring sweet bean sesame ball, egg tarts, mango pudding, almond cookies and of course, moon cakes.

To view the entire menu, click here.

Date: Sunday, September 27 | 1130am-230pm

Price:
Adults $55 per person
Seniors $51 per person
Children ages 6-12 $27.50 per person (Complimentary for children under age 5)
Plus applicable taxes.

Call: 604.895.2480 and book your spot today!

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Nordstrom Opens Vancouver Store

Image: Nordstrom

On September 15, upscale fashion retailer Nordstrom invited concierges from Les Clefs d’Or Canada for a sneak peek of their Vancouver flagship store, located on the corner of Granville and Robson. Three years in the making, the 230,000 square feet store will officially open to the public at 9:30am on Friday, September 18.

Pan Pacific concierges Miriam Edwards and Shelley Hayashi attended the stylish and fun event.

“I am really excited about the opening of Nordstrom this Friday. It will certainly enhance the selection of shops in downtown Vancouver, as well as, elevate the level of retail experience for our guests. I love the vibe of the store and the attention to detail, from the stylish decor to the exceptional customer service which they are known for. Bistro Verde offers a vibrant meeting spot for pre or post shopping, or even a quick bite and drinks after work.” – Shelley Hayashi

“What an impression they’re making! Nordstrom is starting off right by holding a large fundraising gala (which is sold out), with all donations raised to go to BC Children’s Hospital and Vancouver Covenant House. And of course, the thing they’re most renowned for – service!” – Miriam Edwards

Nordstrom is sure to be an incredible shopping destination and we can hardly wait until Friday! Welcome to Vancouver, Nordstrom!

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Staff Spotlight: Linda Lie, Restaurant Manager

Welcome to our new blog series: Staff Spotlight. This is where you’ll meet the people who make it happen! With over 400 associates working at Pan Pacific Vancouver, there are a lot of personalities and a lot of stories to tell!

Today we shine the spotlight on Linda Lie, Restaurant Manager of the Cafe Pacifica, our 200-seat restaurant offering panoramic views of the city, harbour and mountains, and is home to Vancouver’s celebrated Sunday Market Brunch.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I’m married with a six year old and live in Maple Ridge. I have many year’s experience in the restaurant, hotel and cruise ship industry. I went back to school in 2010 and received my degree in hospitality management. Hospitality is a passion of ine. I love to see guests have an experience, instead of just another meal.

How long have you been with Pan Pacific Vancouver and what’s your position?

I’m the Restaurant and Lounge Manager and I’ve worked at the Pan off and on for 12 years.

What motivated you to go into the hotel industry?

I love people.

What’s a typical day at work like?

Making sure the operation is running smoothly, interviewing, planning promotions, dealing with guests and ensuring guests leave happy.

What’s your favourite part about your job?

Engaging with guests.

What are the most challenging aspects about your job?

The unpredictable weather on the patio.

Any memorable moment(s) you want to share with us during your years managing Cafe Pacifica?

I’ve always enjoyed going to the Vancouver Tourism Award breakfast every year and seeing my associates being recognized for their passion, dedication and the guest connections they make day in and day out.

Asides from the weekly Sunday Brunch, Pan Pacific Vancouver also hosts Father’s Day Brunch, Mother’s Day Brunch, Easter Brunch, Chinese Moon Festival Brunch.. which one is your favourite and why?

Mother’s Day is my favourite, as it’s the biggest celebration of the year. We normally serve between 600-700 guests and the buffet is absolutely wonderful!

What is your favourite thing to order on the menu?

My favourite item and the one I would recommend to guests is the sable fish. It has a maple soy marinade and served with quinoa. Not something one usually makes at home, and it’s amazing!

When you’re not working, what do you like to do for fun?

I love traveling to Thailand, Europe, South America and Africa. When I’m not doing that, I work in my garden, play with my 6 year old or cook with my husband. He’s a chef!

Sunday Means Brunch Time at Pan Pacific

Did you know that Pan Pacific Vancouver offers Sunday Brunch? In fact, we’re celebrated for it! Our popular mainstay at Cafe Pacifica runs from 1130am to 230pm (great for those who like to sleep late on the weekends!)

We offer an expansive buffet, so there’s something for everyone. Peruse the buffet tables and choose from an array of seafood items, dim sum, fruits and salads, made-to-order omelettes, as well as, a dessert table!

Featured hot entrees may include pork loin stuffed with apple, apricot fennel and rosemary jus, flat iron steak with mushroom sauce, lingcod tilapia and salmon with ciopino sauce, salmon wellington,  singapore noodles or chicken stirfry with black bean sauce for example. The menu changes every week, so there’s always something new to try.

Little known facts about our Sunday Brunch:

• Pan Pacific started offering brunch in 1996.
• We can accommodate reservations of up to 200 guests
• 25% of people coming to brunch are non-hotel guests
• 1130am-1230 is the busiest time

So what makes our Sunday Brunch stand out?

• We offer popular items such as shellfish, sushi, king crab, prawns, sablefish
• The fish and meat items are cut the day before, but everything else is done on the same day as brunch
• We can accommodate large parties
• Special requests can always be met (with lead time)
• All our produce is fresh and we source locally as much as possible
• The views!

And above all, in the words of Executive Sous Chef, Stefan Maenner, “The guest is the king!”

To book your spot for Sunday Brunch, call 604-895-2480 or click here for more information.

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When the Royals Visited Pan Pacific

In the spirit of Throwback Thursdays (#TBT), we’re going open up our archival signature book for a peek at some of the royal guests we were honoured to receive at the Pan.

Stay tuned for more Throwback Thursdays where we’ll dig into the archives and share with you more of our luminary guests!