Where creativity sizzles

Chef Jamie Hertz is committed to making dining a memorable experience—and his skills have taken him to notable heights

A big smile and delicious food are served up by Jamie Hertz, chef and owner of Fusion Bistro in Nelson. — Colin Payne photo

The first thing you come to quickly realize at Nelson’s Fusion Bistro is that owner and chef Jamie Hertz is passionate and particular about his food. Now in its seventh year, Fusion Bistro exudes a warm, relaxed atmosphere that inspires and tantalizes your palate with Hertz’s latest creations.

After graduating from the Dubrulle Culinary Arts school in Vancouver, Hertz worked in fine dining on the West Coast before he discovered Nelson and his true culinary passions. Hertz first arrived in Nelson at Christmastime several years ago while on a vacation. Coming from metropolitan centres, he immediately recognized the laid-back, small-town, healthy lifestyle, and he knew he wanted to stay and share his culinary creations and skills. Instead of the usual steak or smoke house, Hertz sensed that Nelson was ripe for his brand of comfort and soul food.

Hertz said his fondest memories combine food, family and friends gathered for eating well, and his aim is to recreate that feeling in his menu items and his restaurant.

On the restaurant's website, Hertz writes: "Food is my life, my passion and if given the choice to do something else, I wouldn’t change a stitch."

Buying local is something that is important to Hertz.

“Anything I can buy local, I will," he said. "If I can get any of my meats from Creston or the Fraser Valley, I try to. When it comes to produce, all year long, I tend to have something on the menu that is local."

Hertz's tenacity and his culinary skills have served him well, earning him a place in the first season of Top Chef Canada on television’s Food Network. Although he didn’t come out as Top Chef, Hertz said the spinoff effects in his life have all been positive and life-changing. 

Fusion Bistro caters primarily to the dinner crowd, with menu items such as Indian poutine, stuffed tiger prawns and three beet root salad. Open Tuesday through Sunday from 5 p.m. til late, the restuarant is geared for a slightly slower pace, allowing you to indulge in the atmosphere and cuisine.