Our Team

Nico was schooled at the prestigious CREPAC School of Culinary Arts in Belgium, which was followed by professional training with La Villa Lorraine, a two star Michelin. Nico then worked as Chef de Partie for Comme Chez Soi, a three star Michelin establishment that is often referred to as Belgium’s finest restaurant. Nico’s culinary training was completed at the Savoy Hotel in London where, as Chef de Partie, he was charged with the task of serving over 1000 people per sitting. Following his professional training, Nico accepted a position as the Head Chef at Alhambra in Sydney, Australia. The move would be fortuitous, as it was in Sydney that he met his partner, Karri Schuermans. Nico and Karri’s vision for Chambar eschews pretension and offers guests the unique opportunity to experience fine food in a relaxed environment. Key to this environment has been Nico’s championing of Belgian beer culture, and his handpicked selections of Belgian imports can be paired with any item on his menu.

Karri was the Director of the Peninsula Community Internet Network which went on to become CitySearch, and the Editor for Northern Beaches Magazine in Australia; both lending her valuable experience in advertising, publishing, tourism and online marketing. Karri was part of the competitive tendering process which put the City of Sydney services up against the private sector, resulting in a profitable corporation owned by the City of Sydney and run predominantly by public sector executives. Karri then became the Marketing Manager for this diverse group of services. Her reputation at the City of Sydney brought about an offer to work for the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games as the International Film Liaison Manager where she was charged with ensuring positive exposure for Sydney’s attributes and defining Sydney as the business centre for Asia South Pacific. Upon moving to Vancouver Karri co-owned and operated Twice Shy, an organic fashion label, then went on to open and operate Chambar Restaurant. She also co-founded Cafe Medina and The Dirty Apron Cooking School and Delicatessen. Karri has served on the Vancouver Economic Commission Board, is Co-Chair of Hollyhock Retreat Centre, and a Board Director at Stratcom.