Cook and the City Client Comments:

"Thank you very much for the fantastic Granville Island Plug-In Tour!  It was such an amazing experience and so informative and educational.  When you first mentioned you were doing a market tour, I thought that it was a great idea.  But what you showcased was definitely over and beyond my expectations!  Living just minutes away, I thought I knew Granville Island pretty well; but I was surprised how much I learned about my neighbourhood from your tour!  I will no longer see Granville Island the same way again! Having experienced various walking tours offered in the city, I must say your tour stands out among the rest because:

• Having the headsets really makes a difference.  We can wander around and still be able to hear all your little gems of wisdom on seafood, poultry, produce, spices, etc. and interesting stories about the community in the Market.  The headsets are very comfortable as well.
• Your knowledge in the culinary arts and interest in the history of Vancouver adds a new dimension to the information you are able to impart to the participants.  As well, the information about eating responsibly in the global sense is much appreciated by all.  

For the ultimate Granville Island experience, I would definitely recommend the tour with the cooking class. The Instructor was such a delight and so entertaining!  We learned a whole weekend’s worth of information in just this short time - and how quickly time flies when you are having fun!  Thank you again and I will definitely spread the word on this very distinctive and wonderful experience!" - Shelley H. (August 2010)

"I have to commend Executive Chef Julian Bond, his Executive Chef support group, and the entire support staff at PICA, on a great performance. It was a delight to attend and experience all of the specialties. If you are planning future events I would be pleased to be on the “prospective ticket purchaser list”. Again a great performance, kudos to Chef Julian et al." - Ralph M. (A Star Studded Mystery Kitchen Tour - June 2010) 

"Excellent! The Chef Instructor and Sommelier were very fun, friendly and free with techniques and processes to share with the group. The course content was well thought out and prepared perfect!  Recipes/menu was a good mix of dishes however would be better if the recipes were a bit more complex but given the time allowed simple is better! Considering the expensive menu ingredients and the wine, cost is a very good value!!  I am planning to put together a team building session within our company like Iron chef or a cook-off sort of thing which might and could expand into a company wide customer appreciation competition….will keep you posted!" - David P (Cook! and the City - Italy / April 2009)

"The participants were made to feel very welcome....it was our evening.  Wonderful ambiance created with the candles, starched linen, powerpoint, music, Italian display, etc.  Made me want to go back to Italy. Having it on a Friday was also a benefit. (Geared us up to shop at Granville Island the next a.m. for ingredients).  I have told several people about what a wonderful evening I had, and they are all set to sign-on in the future.  Also, having a parking spot made available was a plus, expecially for the ladies in the class. I must say that both the Chef and the Sommelier were very knowledgeable and generous with their knowledge.  I learned so much from both of them. Good value for the dollar." - Margaret M. (Cook! and the City - Italy / April 2009)

"A very entertaining evening with great personalities giving the talk and the lessons, simple menu made great by the teaching method. We will for sure be looking out for more opportunities to join in." Ian W. (Cook! and the City - Spain/March 2009)

"Highly recommend all courses offered by the Institute to all family and friends." Goretti M. (Cook! and the City - Spain/March 2009)

"I just wanted to pass on a note letting you know how FUN and totally enjoyable the bread making course was on Saturday. Chef Alfred was funny and so knowledgable. The loaves we made were not only delicious but looked soo professional - my family was definitely impressed. I only hope that I can make the recipes at home with the same degree of success! I hope to take some more courses in the future with PICA." Cindy Lou (Artisan Bread Class/February 2009) 

"Trish and I attended your  recent ‘Holiday Entertaining Workshop’ (November 14, 2008) and I cannot  thank you enough for the most enjoyable evening. Both  Executive Chef, Julian Bond and Sommelier, Tim Ellison  were absolutely fantastic, as were the amiable students who assisted! The course content was  very interesting  and I have  numerous new additions for my holiday menus. Please extend our appreciation and accolades to all. You exceeded our expectations! - Mary Ann W.

"I recently along with my son, who is a first cook in Vancouver, took the course in artisan breadmaking. In one word terrific. The instructor was great and had a wonderful sense of humour." - George F.

"I had a great time at your holiday entertaining cooking class on Nov. 14th.  I picked up a bunch of great tips, and some fantastic appetizer ideas too!   I will absolutely recommend the evening classes at the Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts.  Thanks again." - Krista

"I attended the Pastry 101 Class and was very impressed.  The instructor was excellent and worked very hard in such a short period of time.  I will be registering my granddaughter in the preteen course as soon as she reaches the acceptable age.  I look forward to attending another class." - Moray (September 2007)

"I recently attended your one day Artisan Bread Making Class and just wanted to take this opportunity to let you know how fabulous it was.  We learned so much and produced such wonderful products that I believe we all amazed ourselves!  The instructor, Master Baker Alfred Voss, was really fun to work with and extremely good at teaching even us amateurs how to make beautiful and delicious breads." - Justine (July 2007)

"I just completed the Artisan Bread Class, and want to pass along my comments.  For years, I have been asking that you put on a short bread making class for the home baker, and this one was everything I was hoping it would be.  Alfred is a wonderful teacher, friendly, knowledgeable, and supportive.  We made an astonishing number of breads, all of which turned out well.  More importantly, I learned a great deal about the bread making process which I will put to good use in my home baking.  I have taken cooking classes such as those offered by other organizations, but as this was hands-on, it was very much more effective.  It would be hard to think of any changes that I would recommend. Thanks again." - Paul (June 2007)

"I would like to say a big thank you for the management team for organizing the Artisan Bread Class. The programme was excellent and I enjoyed every bit of the class. Your Chef Alfred Voss was AWESOME! He took his time and gave us every information we could ask him and his answers to our queries regarding bread making was EXCELLENT. I look forward to coming for such classes especially in Baking and Pastry...your School is really an A Class environment. Thank you very much and look forward to coming there again." - Essie (June 2007)

Contact our Director of Catering & Events, Giulia Vendramin at 604-734-4488 or email  to book your private cooking class.