News from Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts

Plugged-In Tour of Granville Island’s Artistry & History

Leaves Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts (PICA) 10AM every Friday – rain or shine.

Join PICA for a plugged-in Chef Instructor led walking tour of Vancouver’s historic and diverse Granville Island.   Plug-in a headset and set out to experience this area’s breathtaking and seasonal ambience, savouring along the way a few of the wares of the market’s many globally influenced and locally impassioned artisans, farmers and food purveyors.  We’ll show you what has made Granville Island both a sensory and historic delight. 

Tour includes a PICA canvas tote, a to-go coffee or tea and, a freshly baked pastry courtesy of Bakery 101.  Sweet or savoury we have the walking tour for you.  For more information or to book your ‘Plugged-In’ Granville Island tour visit www.picachef.com, look under the short program tab or contact us at 604.734.4488, space is limited so book ahead


Create a Cook! 

Cooking 101 for Teens (Ages 12 – 18 years old)

Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts’ Cooking 101 for Teens class teaches more than just the basics.  We’ll cover knife skills, kitchen safety, along with fundamental cooking techniques.  We’ll expand their palate with a variety of tasting experiences and develop originality in their creation of menus along with the aesthetics of presentation. By day’s end your aspiring young cook will be able to identify, choose and cook with their new food choices. As with all of our hands-on cooking classes class size is small (maximum 12 students).  To reserve your teens space call 604.734.4488 or book on-line at www.picachef.com.

Date:             Saturday, October 30, 2010                                   Time:                   10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Cost:                         $125.00 Plus HST              

Includes:      Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts apron, Bakery 101 student discount card 


Create a Conscientious Diner! 

Dining Room Etiquette’ (Ages 12 years & up)

Lead your teen by example over a four-course dinner hosted by our own ‘hospitality enthusiast’, Restaurant Instructor and Sommelier Tim Ellison.   This is an opportunity to brush-up on your own dining and networking savvy whilst schooling your teen in the art of presenting oneself professionally at a dining room table.  Communicating with style and confidence are an important factor in feeling comfortable in your own skin and it can never be too early to introduce this to your teen.  The focus of the evening will be evoking etiquette in an interactive manner that extends beyond fork appropriateness.  We believe the point of etiquette rules is to make you feel comfortable – not uncomfortable plus, the stellar wine pairings (19years and above only) don’t hurt either.  To reserve your space call 604.734.4488 or book on-line at www.picachef.com.

Date:             Wednesday, November 17th          Time:                   6:00 PM – 9:30 PM

Cost:                         $75.00 Plus HST – Optional Wine Pairings: $30 per person (plus HST – 19yrs & above)

Includes:       Dining workshop, 4-Course Dinner with coffee or tea plus take home workbook.


 Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts (PICA), founded in 1997, is one of Vancouver’s first accredited private culinary institutes to provide diploma programs in Culinary Arts and Baking & Pastry Arts.  As a designated WSET provider PICA offers Foundation, Intermediate and Advanced Wine Certificate programs.  PICA operates Bistro 101, an 80-seat on-site gourmet restaurant, a bustling bakeshop and café – Bakery 101 and a professional Catering Department. PICA is Vancouver’s original hands-on cooking class purveyor and winner for the 5th consecutive year of the Consumers’ Choice Award for Business Excellence.  PICA is of elite status among culinary institutions in Canada and in being such continues to raise the bar.

PICA is situated at the gateway to Granville Island at 1505 West Second Avenue, Vancouver, BC.  To contact us please call (604) 734-4488 or visit www.picachef.com.