Meeru Dhalwala & Shira Blustein

Meeru Dhalwala is co-founder of Vij’s and Lila restaurants, both in Vancouver, BC. For 30 years, she created all the recipes and ran the kitchen at Vij’s (and Rangoli for 17 years). In April 2024, Meeru received the Restaurants Canada Award for Culinary Excellence. Shira’s influence extends beyond her restaurants. She is also the co-author of a celebrated cookbook that captures the essence of the Acorn’s culinary philosophy, bringing their vegetable-driven creations to home kitchens around the world.