Born and raised in Weinfelden, the German-speaking region of  Switzerland, Gisela Conrad’s journey to the Kootenays has been guided by a lifelong passion for hospitality and guest experience. After studying business and languages in Switzerland and building an early career in publishing, marketing, and banking, she eventually returned to her family’s hospitality roots – working and managing hotels and restaurants in various ski towns across Europe and North America.

In 1996, she immigrated to Canada with her Swiss mountain dog, Chevy, eventually settling in the Kootenays.

In 2002, Gisela purchased the former “Last Chance” property in Kootenay Bay and transformed it into Boccalino — a reflection of her love for warm European hospitality, exceptional food and wine, and unforgettable guest experiences.

Born in the French-speaking Swiss town of Moutier, Yves Rossi discovered his passion for food and hospitality at an early age while helping in his grandmother’s restaurant in Niederurnen. Raised trilingual in French, German, and Swiss German, he went on to complete a prestigious culinary apprenticeship at Kartause Ittingen — a self-sustaining monastery where he trained in traditional European cooking, baking, butchery, and farming.

After graduating, Yves refined his skills in a two-star Michelin-rated restaurant before pursuing a wide range of adventures and trades, including ski patrol and avalanche control work in the Swiss Alps, shepherding and cheesemaking, boat building, and time spent immersed in Thai culture and cuisine. Today, Yves brings decades of experience and global inspiration to the kitchen of La Terrazza. A proud Swiss-Canadian citizen and Red Seal Chef, his menus blend tradition, international influence, and fresh ingredients into a truly memorable dining experience.