Visit Vancouver Island and learn to cook like a gourmet chef

Malaspina University-College in Nanaimo, B.C. is offering a unique course that combines professional gourmet cooking classes with a chance to discover Vancouver Island wines.

A West Coast Feast - Regional Wine & Cuisine is a course offered through Malaspina's Centre for Continuing Studies in Nanaimo August 15 to 19, 2005.

"The course allows participants to experience a gourmet culinary adventure on Vancouver Island," explained Glynis Steen of Malaspina's Centre for Continuing Studies.
"Students will learn how to prepare gourmet West Coast cuisine from Malaspina's internationally renowned award-winning chefs, enjoy the food they prepare each day and expand their knowledge about Vancouver Island wines."

Daily hands-on cooking classes are taught by a gourmet chef in the state-of-the-art teaching kitchen at Malaspina University-College's Nanaimo campus. "Students will learn how to prepare West Coast cuisine like a professional chef," said Chef Debbie Shore, Acting Coordinator of the Culinary Arts and Professional Baking Program at Malaspina. "You'll look the part with your own personalized chef's jacket."

Each evening, participants will "feast on the fruits of their labour," added Shore. "You will sit down, relax and enjoy an epicurean meal paired with wines from local Vancouver Island wineries. This is a West Coast culinary experience at its finest."

Malaspina's award-winning Culinary Arts faculty have represented Canada and won many awards. Chef Michael Pelletier will head up the summer-time culinary adventure, with Chef's Debbie Shore and Bill Clay. Pelletier's vast knowledge and culinary expertise was honed as an Executive Sous Chef at the Waterfront Fairmont Hotel in Vancouver, at the Fairmont Empress in Victoria, and at other major hotels over the past 20 years. He competed in the World Culinary Olympics in Germany, at the World Culinary competition in Singapore and at the American Culinary Classic in Chicago.

The cost of the program ($765 per person) includes five days of culinary activities, daily gourmet cooking classes, wines, four dinners, one lunch and your own personalized chef's jacket.

Spaces are limited. For more information about A West Coast Feast - Regional Wine and Cuisine, call toll free 1-866-734-6252 or 1-866-REG-MALA. To find out more about Malaspina's one year Culinary Arts Program and 10-month professional Baking Program, refer to the website at www.viu.ca/culinary or www.viu.ca/baking.