March 23, 2009 - 2:18am
If you love Italian food, get your taste buds ready.
Students in the first graduating class of Vancouver Island University’s Culinary Arts diploma program are hosting one last theme dinner dubbed the Italian Grande Finale for only 35 guests in the Discovery Room restaurant at the Nanaimo campus March 27.
“This is an event not to be missed,” said VIU Chef Craig Rogers. “Culinary Arts faculty and support staff, with the assistance of Guest Chef Peter Zambri, are proud to present the final theme dinner from our incredible second year Culinary diploma program graduates,” said Rogers. “We have eight students graduating. This is a triumphant finish to their Culinary Arts training. They’ve been a great class, demonstrating enthusiasm, intelligence and a real commitment to their craft.”
Guest chef Peter Zambri owns and operates the award-winning Zambri’s Restaurant in Victoria. (http://www.zambris.ca/recognition.htm). The seven course Italian feast will be combined with perfectly paired wines. Rogers said the chance to work with guest chefs like Zambri is great experience for VIU students.
Participation in the themed dinner is the students’ last requirement for graduation. Rogers said most of the eight students have employment lined up. Graduating student Carlos Rodriquez, who garnered media attention by winning a national cooking competition in Toronto and then placing fourth at an international competition in Dubai, will spend a month working in Bray, England at The Fat Duck, billed as the “second most famous restaurant in the world.”
“I’m doing it for the experience,” said Rodriguez. “When I was searching for a place to do my Culinary Arts co-op, I applied at five out of ten of the best restaurants in the world, and The Fat Duck replied to my inquiry.”
Another graduating student has been hired by the prestigious Burrowing Owl Vineyard in Oliver, BC.
Seating is limited for the Italian Grande Finale dinner. Tickets ($90 per person) are expected to sell out quickly. For reservations, call Josephine at 250-740-6289.
For information on VIU’s Culinary Arts program, check out the website at www.viu.ca/culinary.
Tags: In the Community
