Canadian troops serving overseas often get visits by comedians, musicians and even hockey celebrities who come to entertain them and boost their morale. Over the years, they’ve included comedian Rick Mercer, singer Tom Cochrane and flamboyant hockey commentator Don Cherry.
Now that list includes Vikram Vij.
The celebrity Vancouver chef flew on board Canadian frigate HMCS Charlottetown, patrolling the Mediterranean, last Saturday and then to a military base in Kuwait the following day, where Canadian Forces are part of Operation Impact, Canada’s contribution to the U.S.-led multinational coalition aimed at fighting ISIS.
Vij, known for his appearance on the TV series Dragons’ Den and his high-profile success as a restaurateur and entrepreneur, said he eagerly agreed when Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan asked him to accompany him on the trip.
“Being away from their families at this time of year is extremely difficult, and if I can just soothe their burden and just make them smile a little bit more, what more can I ask for?” Vij told CBC News during an interview at his popular Vancouver restaurant, Vij’s, before he left.
In the days leading up to his visit with the Forces, Vij showed to CBC’s Laura Lynch the spices he intended to carry in his suitcase: garam masala, turmeric, fenugreek and cinnamon among them.
He was told he would have to improvise. Aboard HMCS Charlottetown, that meant cooking with the navy chefs.
Video footage of the visit made available by the Canadian Armed Forces shows the menu included chicken curry.
In Kuwait, Vij held cooking lessons for the military personnel.
Based on reporting by Laura Lynch, CBC News
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