Eden West Gourmet

It wasn't until Paula and Chris Beall saw Tracey Bates, the previous owner of Port Moody's Eden West Fine Foods and Gifts, discussing her cooking program on the local news that they decided to change the trajectory of their careers — and ultimately their lives.

While they weren't thinking of purchasing a shop at the time, it was, however, a long-term thought; Paula said it was more of a retirement plan with visions of the Sunshine Coast.

Married for almost seven years, Chris, 43, and Paula, 41, met at Vancouver's grand Gabriola Mansion turned Romano’s Macaroni Grill in the early '90s and launched their start in the food industry; Chris was the chef and Paula, a sauté cook.

Paula was schooled at The Art Institute of Vancouver, Dubrulle International Culinary Arts, and before Eden West, managed at The Red Door. Chris attained his Red Seal and spent a lot of time with the Spectra Group of Great Restaurants; he then went on to teach full-time at The Art Institute.