Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts (PICA) proudly embraces the extensive hospitality management background of industry vetted Leonard Nakonechny.  With his enterprising passion in hand Leonard embarks down a path of culinary education as our newest Restaurant Instructor. 

“Leonard’s extensive industry experience lends perfectly to our unique culinary centre”, Executive Chef & Program Director Julian Bond adds. “He’ll be joining a dedicated group of seasoned professionals who are just as eager to share their internationally gained experience, knowledge and skills with our students.”

Among Leonard’s achievements include a 2006 Les Clef d’Or Birks Silver Spoon Service Award and a 2005 Vancouver Restaurant Magazine, Critics Choice – Premiere Crew Award.

Food and hospitality establishments today depend heavily on location, menu and patronage but, industry professionals recognize the utmost importance of professional chemistry and the subsequent teamwork of a knowledgeable managing team.  To which Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts welcomes Nakonechny to the family.

Leonard Nakonechny comes to Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts from the prestigious Vancouver Club as Contract Manager, prior to that a General Manager for Boston Pizza’s Corporate Training Centre as well as, a lauded five year stint as Restaurant Manager for two of Vancouver’s highly acclaimed restaurants; C Restaurant and NU Restaurant + Lounge.  PICA is proud to be privy to his hands-on, individualized approach as leadership by example is the key to ensuring our graduates’ future successes.

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; visit PICA Wine Education.  PICA also operates an award winning Bistro 101®, an 80-seat on-site fine dining restaurant, as well as, a bustling bakeshop and cafe; Bakery 101®.  Completing our unique culinary centre is a professional Catering Department and an ever changing array of Short programs that has made PICA Vancouver’s original hands-on cooking class purveyor.  PICA is of elite status among culinary institutions in Canada and in being such continues to raise the bar.

Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts provides top-calibre instruction in an intimate and interactive environment; drawing an international attraction.  Utilizing the finest facilities, PICA’s dedicated Chef Instructors are seasoned professionals trained in classic French and International cuisine.  PICA is situated at the gateway to Granville Island at 1505 West Second Avenue, Vancouver, BC.  To contact please call (604) 734-4488 or visit PICA.