There are plenty of reasons why folks with a passion for food should consider pursuing a career in culinary arts – and Vancouver Community College (VCC) can get you there. Culinary professionals are able to explore their creativity, work all over the globe to master different cuisines, and impress their friends at every dinner party.

Through VCC’s culinary programs, students are provided with hands-on training, giving them the technical skills needed to succeed in the growing industry. And the learning doesn’t stop in the kitchen – students also gain front-of-house experience, which ensures that every graduate is well-rounded in their knowledge. 

In this year’s Golden Plates awards, VCC was voted “Best Professional Culinary School” by readers of the Straight. We’re certain its 11 industrial kitchens and on-campus dining establishments, operated by culinary students, has something to do with its win. 

At both VCC campuses, you’ll find a great spots that serve up affordable, tasty meals. The onsite dining options are open to students and the public. 

The fine-dining restaurant is run by students and instructors in the culinary arts programs. It provides a memorable experience for those who love gourmet cuisine, minus the ridiculously expensive bill at the end of the meal. 

The lunch menu at JJ’s Restaurant features golden beet salad, braised pork belly and cheek, and white chocolate and chai masala ganache, as well as a selection of beer, wine, and cocktails. Reservations are encouraged. 

This pop-up dinner series, taking place this May and June, is definitely one of Vancouver’s best kept secrets – for $55 per person, ticketholders can enjoy a gourmet five-course meal. The fixed menu [PDF] was created by Chef Hamid Salimian and features optional wine pairings. 

The Chef's Table dinners are also run by students and led by award-winning instructors in the college’s International Culinary Arts program. 

Be sure to purchase your tickets early – you don’t want to miss out on the Grand Marnier chocolate mousse with brown butter ice cream.

VCC is giving away four tickets to the upcoming Chef’s Table experience – visit Instagram by Monday, June 6 to enter. 

Students from VCC's culinary arts programs run the ‌Quizine Kitchen at the Broadway campus and the second-floor cafeteria at VCC’s Downtown location. 

Breakfast service takes place Mondays to Thursdays from 8 to 9:30 a.m., while lunch service starts at 11:30 a.m. and goes until 1 p.m. At both cafeterias, you’ll find baked goods, premade sandwiches and wraps, and a selection of hot items. 

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For information, visit www.vcc.ca/eat/