Meet Our Team

Tara and Stephen’s story began in 1995 in Victoria, BC, where they were both wrapping up degrees at UVic while working at Camille’s restaurant. They hit it off, got married in 2000, and now have two kids, Maya and Jamie. In 2009, they took on the challenge of running the Mahle House and haven’t looked back.

Stephen Wilson - Executive Chef

Our fearless leader and Jack of All Trades! Stephen is a Red Seal chef and a certified Sommelier from the International Sommelier Guild. Stephen’s been everywhere in the restaurant world: server, wine guy, line cook, manager, executive chef, director of operations, dishwasher, grease trap cleaner... he's truly done it all. Stephen's our problem-solver, and – often to his dismay – the first one we call when something goes sideways.

Tara Wilson - Restaurant Manager and Beverage Director

Tara grew up in the restaurant industry – a true lifer – it was her mother and uncle (Maureen Loucks and Delbert Horrocks) who opened the Mahle House back in 1983. Tara started her restaurant journey in her mother’s kitchen washing dishes before learning the front of house operations. She developed a deep passion for wine working with and learning from her uncle Delbert. She mastered her craft in some of Victoria’s top restaurants and hotels before returning to the Mahle House and taking over with her husband Stephen. Her latest passions are elevating Mahle Houses bar program and sourcing new and exciting wines while maintaining the community minded culture that her family started over 40 years ago.

Together, Tara and Stephen have built a team that’s as passionate about great food and wine as they are. The goal is to deliver an elevated culinary experience with professional warm service. They look forward to welcoming you to the Mahle House.

The dynamic duo of Craig and Lindsey bring a solid 40 years of combined restaurant industry experience to the table at the Mahle House, and have become key figures in making the restaurant what it is today.

Now married for five years, they originally met working in a restaurant, which pretty much set the stage for their professional journey together. They’re all about creating a welcoming atmosphere and ensuring everyone who walks into the Mahle House feels like they're part of the family.

Craig is the Dining Room Manager at the Mahle House. He's seasoned in both the kitchen and front of house, always full of new ideas to improve the dining experience.

Lindsey is our Social Media Manager and Lead Server. She's an avid food tester, ensuring the ideas our chefs dream up is top-notch before it ever hits a guest's plate.

Their career paths have taken Lindsey and Craig both through both corporate chains and small local spots, but their heart lies with the latter. They're big on supporting local businesses, making it a point to shop locally both personally and professionally.

Well-rounded with experience in management, serving, and bartending, these two know their way around a restaurant. They both pride themselves on making guests feel at home with their approachable – and hilarious – demeanour.

Outside of work, Lindsey and Craig both find joy in spending time with their daughter and their wiener dog, as well as cooking together and exploring a love for food.

Mike's professional journey began at the age of 14 working as a dishwasher at a golf course in Kelowna, B.C. Through high school and beyond Mike worked in Kelowna's top steak houses, gaining a strong foundation in classic techniques and kitchen discipline. After graduation he completed a three year working apprenticeship through Okanagan college, which immersed him in professional kitchens and refined his skills. The next several years brought Mike to Whistler, the Sunshine Coast, Fernie, and Vancouver Island. While in Fernie Mike spent four formative years at Island Lake Catskiing Lodge where he had the privilege of working alongside exceptional Chefs. This experience deepened his understanding of fine dining fundamentals, elevated standards, and the level of care and precision required to create truly memorable food.

Vancouver Island has become home for Mike. Outside the kitchen he finds inspiration in nature, cooking with his girlfriend, fishing, long walks with his dog and outdoor explorations.