Canada’s top chefs meet at Vancouver Island University to prepare for the Culinary Olympiad

Chefs and apprentices from across Canada have traveled to Vancouver Island University in Nanaimo, BC, to take part in a training event ahead of the 2024 Culinary Olympics in Germany.

On Monday, Team BC will host a one-hour dinner for 70 guests, along with members of the Canadian national team and junior culinary team.

The event will include a drinks period and hors d’oeuvres, during which appetizers are prepared in front of guests, and three courses, including wine pairing, prepared by the junior team.

The team is scheduled to gather at VIU at 09:30 to familiarize themselves with the kitchen before the official event starts at 11:30

“Teams are not allowed to deviate beyond – or under – the allotted time, as sticking to the scheduled broadcast time is very important,” reads a statement from VIU.

Rita Gower, chair of the University of Vancouver Island’s Culinary Arts program and Professional Baking and Pastry Arts program, said Monday night’s event will be “just like it’s going to be in Stuttgart, [Germany].”

Culinary students currently at the university will also assist with the event by helping to set up, operate the plates, and bussing tables.

As well as offering the chefs the opportunity to train, the extensive dining event also serves as a fundraiser to help the national team travel to Germany.

“We’re excited to have the team here and grateful for the opportunity to show our students what’s out there if they want to go in this direction,” Gower said.

Laura Davis

"Total troublemaker. Alcohol aficionado. Social media specialist. Friendly travel nerd."

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