WELCOME TO IBU

The Story

At IBU, we’re more than just a father-son duo – it’s my dad Jeff Matthews and me, Joel, blending culinary traditions from the past and reimagining them for the present. For us, food is a powerful connector of people, cultures, and stories, served in a welcoming and cozy atmosphere.

The Journey

My Dad began his journey in Calgary at La Chaumiere and Four Seasons before moving onto Fairmont, Montreal and then travelling to the Middle East to cook for King Hussein of Jordan. He went on to lead kitchens in Australia and Southeast Asia. My own passion for cooking ignited during my time in Bali and Australia before returning to Calgary in 2016.

The Experience

Together we craft dishes that marry global flavours with vibrant Asian influences reflecting our 30 years in Asia. IBU – meaning “mother” in Indonesian – represents warmth, community, and shared experiences. We invite you to be part of our family’s culinary journey.

Meet the IBU Team

Joel

Owner / Executive Chef

My culinary career started back in 2013 in Bali Indonesia at the Alila hotel. After 2 years I then moved to Melbourne Australia where I worked at The Smith, one of Melbourne’s top Asian restaurants. Moving back to Canada in 2016 I started work at Anju restaurant where I continued my passion for Asian cuisine, also learning about how important gluten free options were to customers. My father and I started Expat Asia in 2018 taking all the knowledge we acquired over years of living and working throughout S.E. Asia and we opened a 100% Gluten Free Asian Fusion restaurant, Expatasia.

Jeff

Owner / Dishwasher Extraordinaire

Food has been a lifelong passion. I ѕреnt mу еаrlу years trаіnіng rіght here in Cаlgаry. After graduating frоm SAIT, got a position at La Chаumіèrе Restaurant іn 1977. I then moved onto the Four Seasons, Delta Hotels, and finally at the fаmеd Queen Elizabeth Hotel іn Mоntréаl. My next adventure was as one of four chefs to King Hussien in Jordon. After that, I lived and worked in SE Asia for 30 years which armed me with a wealth of knowledge in Asian and European cuisine. My time there also provided the opportunity to learn how to marry flavours from East and West to create unіquе combinations that we’re excited to bring to Calgary.

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Alyshia

General Manager

Hey there! I’m Alyshia LaBonte, a boy mom x 2, service queen, and 15-year restaurant industry vet. I live for good vibes, great food, and creating a culture people never forget. High standards, big heart, and a whole lotta hustle. A hype woman for anything hospitality. I truly put love into everything I do (and then some).

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Jon

Assistant Manager

Big heart, sharp hustle. I’m passionate about creating unforgettable guest experiences , the kind that leave people happy, full, and already planning their next visit. With an eye for detail and a love for hospitality, I thrive on high pressure environments, elevating service, and keeping the energy right. Refined my skills when I was studying at SAIT and in Ajito, Orchard & DZ.

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Chef José

Executive Sous Chef

My culinary journey was fuelled by my grandmother’s fiery passion for cooking. After formal training from a top southern culinary institute, I fine-tuned my skills at renowned spots like Alloy, Vin Room, and Modern Steak. I’ve crafted innovative menus and led talented teams, making every meal into a memorable dining experience full of passion, creativity, and flavour.