Chef and owner, Ode to Gillian
Chef Eric Vernice
Where he cooks now: Ode to Gillian, a 12-seat chef's table in his own home in Providenciales.
The story
Chef Eric Vernice has been cooking professionally for more than 35 years, from a start at Troisgros in France to Canada and, since 2009, the Turks and Caicos. Ode to Gillian, his chef's table at home, is named for his late wife and marks a new direction after nine years at Provence by Eric.
“Creating a personal and memorable experience for our guests is exactly what Ode is about.”
- France
Troisgros
Born in Roanne, France, Eric learns his craft in a country renowned for its gastronomy. His career begins at Troisgros, the three-Michelin-star restaurant.
- 1987
Canada
Moves to Canada and builds his name: leading the kitchen at the Inn at Manitou, a Relais & Châteaux property, and as Executive Chef at Bearfoot Bistro in Whistler, from 1995 to 2000.
- 2002
Jayde and Après, Whistler
Returns to Whistler with his wife, Gillian, and their three children, and opens Jayde, a much-loved restaurant known for the quality of its cooking. After it closes he takes over Après and makes it an acclaimed fine dining destination.
- 2009
The Turks and Caicos
Comes to the islands to oversee the French Village at Beaches Resort, then becomes Executive Chef at Parallel 23. He is behind the remodel of the Beach House Hotel and the opening of Crust Bakery, celebrated for its artisan French pastries.
- 2017
Provence by Eric
Opens Provence by Eric in Grace Bay, his first restaurant of his own in the islands, with the first chef's table on the island: guests seated around the kitchen. It runs for nine successful years.
- Now
Ode to Gillian
Closes the Provence chapter to devote himself to Ode to Gillian: a 12-seat chef's table in his own home, a tribute to his late wife, with a five-course tasting menu and cooking classes.
From Provence to Ode to Gillian, in diners' words
“Ode to Gillian has taken that experience to new heights!!!”
“Long a fan of Eric's Provence, this next chapter in his culinary career has exceeded our expectations each time we've visited.”
“He's a genuinely good man and an absolute artist in his kitchen.”
In the press
- Rarefied root veggiesThe Globe and Mail, February 2004
takes credit for getting salsify started at the Sturdy farm
- Ode to Gillian: A private chef's table experience in the Turks and CaicosBing Chef, October 2026
One table. One evening.
Questions
Who is Chef Eric Vernice?
A French chef with more than 35 years in professional kitchens, and the chef and owner of Ode to Gillian in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos. Born in Roanne, France, he began his career at Troisgros, the three-Michelin-star restaurant, then cooked in Canada from 1987 and in the Turks and Caicos from 2009, where he opened Provence by Eric in 2017.
Where does Chef Eric Vernice cook now?
At Ode to Gillian, his 12-seat chef's table at 39 Ocean Drive, Leeward Settlement, Providenciales. Dinner is a five-course tasting menu with an amuse-bouche, one seating a night, Tuesday to Sunday, booked on OpenTable or by email.
Is Provence by Eric still open?
No. Provence by Eric's OpenTable listing shows it as permanently closed (checked 14 October 2026). After nine years at Provence, Chef Eric closed that chapter to devote himself to Ode to Gillian.
Where did Chef Eric train?
In France, where he was born, in Roanne. His career began at Troisgros, the three-Michelin-star restaurant, where he sharpened his craft.
Where did Chef Eric cook in Canada?
He moved to Canada in 1987 and led the kitchen at the Inn at Manitou, a Relais & Châteaux property. He was Executive Chef at Bearfoot Bistro in Whistler from 1995 to 2000, opened his own restaurant there, Jayde, and later took over Après, making it an acclaimed fine dining destination.
What has Chef Eric done in the Turks and Caicos?
He arrived in 2009 to oversee the French Village at Beaches Resort, became Executive Chef at Parallel 23, and was behind the remodel of the Beach House Hotel and the opening of Crust Bakery. In 2017 he opened Provence by Eric in Grace Bay, with the island's first chef's table, and he now runs Ode to Gillian.
Who was Gillian?
Chef Eric's late wife. In 2002 Eric returned to Whistler with Gillian and their three children and opened Jayde there. Ode to Gillian, his chef's table at home, is named in tribute to her.
Does Chef Eric teach cooking?
Yes. He runs hands-on cooking classes at Ode to Gillian twice a month, for every skill level, at $150 per person including lunch, drinks, a takeaway gift and the recipes. Email reservations@odetogillian.com for dates.
How do I book dinner with Chef Eric?
Book Ode to Gillian on OpenTable, email reservations@odetogillian.com or call (649) 333-1049. There are 12 seats and one seating a night, so book well ahead.
From Ode to Gillian's own story of Chef Eric, its OpenTable listing and the press linked above, read on 14 October 2026. Send a correction.