Chefs' Table Society of British Columbia
3102 Main St, Vancouver, BC V5T 3G7 Vancouver, BC, Canada

Looking for a way to give back? A Loving Spoonful is looking for volunteers for meal packing folks next week on Wednesday March 10th! And are still looking for Volunteer Drivers. Help deliver meals to those in need on Tuesday afternoons*. Meal pick-up is any time between 1pm - 5pm and the delivery route is 1-2 hours depending on where you are going.... *Tuesdays may be flexible- if you're interested please get in touch with them at [email protected]

Mise-En-Place: everything in its place Have a listen to the Mise-En-Place podcast here: https://chefstablesociety.com/mise-en-place/ Photo: Meighan Makarchuk

Say hi to Education Co-Chairs André LaRivière & Alex Tung! The panel at the AGM? Organized by these two! What would you like to see them tackle this year regarding education in the industry?

If you jumped on the sourdough baking trend in 2020, we want to know what your favourite use of discard was. Let us know Photo by James Lee on Unsplash

We wouldn't be able to support BC Chefs without BC Foodies. That's the beauty of community. *taken in 2019 at Swine Out Vancouver*

The Riley Park Winter Market is in from 10am-2pm today thanks to Vancouver Farmers Markets. Supporting local producers is .

Flashback Friday to Northwest Culinary Academy of Vancouver food truck day.

WinterUpdates from the Chefs' Table Society of BC - https://mailchi.mp//q12021-updates-from-the-chefs-table-so

What's on your menu today?

Watching cooking shows is definitely not the same as live cooking demos but hopefully we'll be back to in-person events soon! Photo: Meighan Makarchuk

"I think preparing food and feeding people brings nourishment not only to our bodies but to our spirits. Feeding people is a way of loving them, in the same way that feeding ourselves is a way of honoring our own createdness and fragility." Shauna Niequist : Meighan Makarchuk

You can eat seasonally in BC and continue to support the local food economy. Here's a great list from BC Farmers Markets broken down by region: https://bcfarmersmarket.org/why-bc-farmers/whats-in-season/

Destination Greater Victoria and BC Restaurant & Foodservices Association,Victoria Branch, are once again teaming up to organize the always popular Dine Around & Stay in Town Victoria. Dine Around & Stay in Town is Victoria's favourite food program with over 50 of Victoria's best restaurants offering set three-course menus at deliciously low prices. Both locals and visitors alike will delight in the wide range of culinary experiences and host of world-class accommodations to... be had in the Greater Victoria area. Running until February 7th. https://www.tourismvictoria.com/eat-drink/dine-around

Almost through the first week of the new year. How's everyone feeling?

BC Hospitality Foundation has opened applications for their 2021 scholarships. Apply for a Culinary Scholarship until March 31, 2021. Apply here: https://bchospitalityfoundation.com/scholarships/

What is your number one rule for a curry dish?

Mid-week reminder to take each moment in the kitchen or in 2020 with one step at a time. We've got this

One of the big things we're missing with cancelled events is collaboration and connections across the industry. Like at Chef Meets Truck where restaurant chefs and Food Truck chefs worked together to create an item that expressed them both! What have you been missing lately?

Self-care can look like spending time in the kitchen (for yourself!), ordering in from your favourite restaurant, learning something new, and listening to your needs.

"If you really want to make a friend, go to someone's house and eat with him...the people who give you their food give you their heart."- Cesar Chavez : Meghan Makarchuk

The final episode of Season One of the Mise-En-Place podcast is out! Chef/host Robert Belcham looks back on the extraordinary Year That Was with the help of some returning guests Have a listen and let us know what you'd like to hear on season 2: https://chefstablesociety.com/mise-en-place-mise-en-place-/

Tuesday, November 24th (1:30pm) is our last board meeting for 2020. We'll be on Zoom talking all things CTS and as always, you are more than welcome to join us, weigh in and let us know if you have an ideas for the Industry. Please send Shawna an email to let her know you'd like to join. [email protected] ... P.S. Any guesses on what year this Curry Cup photo is from?

Start your week off by nominating a BC producer for a profile in our next newsletter. Your nominations matter and help to uplift voices around the province! Click to nominate: https://forms.gle/LFMVHcdrMH7wX8Xp7

Whoa! Heading into the final stretch of 2020. With so many missed events, meals and time together it can be rough. But we're giving everyone in the Industry props for keeping on, moving forward and doing what we do best: providing delicious eats. Tag someone who deserves a shout-out and a boost

Last board meeting of 2020 is tomorrow online at 1:30pm! All are welcome: please email Shawna to RSVP for the Zoom link. [email protected]

New quarter of the new year means we're working on the newsletter! Is there anything you'd like us to include? Let us know in the comments or send us an email: [email protected]

Food can be so many things: Comfort Self-Care Connection... Adventure Exploration Calm Tradition What does it mean to you?

What's your dream food/culinary related Halloween costume? Have you made it a reality? If yes, let us know and tag us in your photos

Following yesterday's theme...nominate a BC producer who deserves to be recognized! There are so many--and you aren't limited to one nomination. Click here: https://forms.gle/hHS9xqJJFHFRzpiL7

Here's to supporting each other in a new year and enjoying delicious eats along the way. Happy New Year!

"You don't need a silver fork to eat good food." -Paul Prudhomme Reminder of the Two Rivers Specialty Meats fundraiser that supports the CTS in lieu of our being able to host events: https://tworiversmeats.ca/fundraiser/chefs-table-fundraiser/

Support your local chefs & restaurants today, tonight and everyday. This year has been rough for the Hospitality Industry and it's already a hard industry to work in. But those who do, do it because they have a passion for good food, drinks, and vibes. Please order direct for your NYE meal and add on that bottle of wine! Keep your reservations or call and see if you can make it into a restaurant you love tonight. ... Restaurants have been going above and beyond for safety for months. They love serving you- help them continue to do what they love!

Grab your favourite cocktail or mocktail and send a virtual cheers to your Industry friends this Friday.

IMPORTANT NOTICE.

We do our best to share when you're hiring but we may miss it! If you're hiring in the industry: front of house, back of house, in the fields, etc and tag us in the post or story we'll make sure to share!

Nominate a BC chef! Know a chef that deserves to be celebrated in BC? We feature a chef for each newsletter and that means we're looking for your input. Click here to nominate: https://forms.gle/FXn7Sa8mh3H5JZX26

There weren't a lot of in-person events for the CTS in 2020 but we did get to see you all at the AGM and eat these delicious treats.

Dreaming of when we can share a brew with all of you.

Make time to recognize your success and achievements throughout your culinary career. Each step helps to craft who you are in and out of the kitchen.

Have a bit of time this AM? May we suggest having a listen to the Mise-En-Place podcast? Catch up on the conversations and let us know what you think. : Meighan Makarchuk

Just two more weeks to purchase from the Two Rivers Specialty Meats CTS Fundraiser. Help us raise some funds to supplement the loss of income due to cancelled events and give yourself or a friend a delicious freezer full of sustainable meats and seafood! https://tworiversmeats.ca/fundraiser/chefs-table-fundraiser/

Do you have any knife safety tips you learned over the years? Let us know

Being a cook means constant learning. That can come from books or hands-on education in the kitchen. Where have you learned the most in your career?

Can't beat those conversations about dishes in person but we encourage you to keep asking questions about where your food comes from!

Tomorrow is the last Tuesday of October which means you can join us at 1:30pm for our board meeting via Zoom! Send Shawna an email for the link.

Ready for Sunday brunch?

We miss seeing your faces in-person but we're so proud of the hard work and dedication the Industry has had to creating safe and delicious experiences across the province (and Canada).

Here to remind you that after coffee if you're looking to spend some Boxing Day money supporting local restaurants via gift cards is an excellent decision.

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays Chefs & Foodies!

Have you spoken with your mentor lately? Reach out and have a chat. They're always there for you.

What's your favourite type of Chowder to make and to eat? Hearty debates for this Friday

It's a bit different this year, eh? But helplines are still available.

Was your head down working yesterday during the CTS Social: Ocean Foraging? No need to worry-- we have it recorded so if you'd like to watch send us an email!

We're excited to learn all about ocean foraging at today's CTS (Virtual) Social. Join us, Johnny Bridge, Bill Jones, Alexander McNaughton and Tasha Sawyer at 5pm today on Zoom!

DYK today is International Chefs Day? Created in 2004 - by Worldchefs - World Association of Chefs Societies during the 2004 World Culinary Olympics. This year is about the future: sustainability, and "teaching our children about the impact that production and consumption of food actually has on the environment." Let us know how you're teaching the young folx in your life about the impact of food consumption and the environment... Learn more: https://www.internationalchefsday.worldchefs.org/

Give yourself space to breath this week. Smiling is fantastic but the holiday season be hard in 'normal' times so let yourself feel what comes up.

Holiday traditions across cultures typically include food as one aspect. Do you include traditional or family foods into your holiday meals?

Not to be cheesy but you're doing amazing!

BC has some fantastic distillers. Staying local while exploring your favourites is one of the perks of the region.

How do you support your local fishers and farmers? :Meighan Makarchuk

Did you purchase from the Two Rivers Specialty Meats fundraiser? 1) THANK YOU! 2) Remember to pick-up your orders today or tomorrow between 9am-5pm at Two Rivers (180 Donaghy Avenue, North Vancouver).

Know someone? Click to nominate!

Whatcha craving? : Meighan Makarchuk

Have you talked to anyone today? Send a quick text or call someone and see how they're doing!

Are you offering Holiday Specials? Let us know so we can spread the news!

Curry's on! Warming you from the inside-out.

Bringing back Apprentice of the Year last November was such a thrilling and nourishing day on our end. It brought together all pieces of what the CTS tries to do: educate and nurture our chefs, producers and food industry. Plus there was some delicious food that was created, plated and tasted!

Snack-time! What's your go-to snack to keep you fueled lately?

Are you celebrating Wine Wednesday?

No one who cooks, cooks alone. Even at her most solitary, a cook in the kitchen is surrounded by generations of cooks past, the advice and menus of cooks present, the wisdom of cookbook writers. Laurie Colwin

Tell us your favourite fish fact below.

Wishing everyone pleasant dinner conversation tonight!

What's your favourite way to build a charcuterie board?

Flashback Friday to dining together (outside our households). If you're looking to order-in tonight supporting your local restaurants is a great way to enjoy a delicious meal. Give them a call directly and pick-up for biggest impact!

Our Two Rivers Specialty Meats fundraiser ends tomorrow and we'd love your support if you've been considering it! These boxes make great gifts or holiday meals. https://tworiversmeats.ca/fundraiser/chefs-table-fundraiser/

Sending a big congrats (and thank you) to the BC Restaurant & Foodservices Association's CEO & President Ian Tostenson for being recognized on Vancouver Magazine's Power 50 list for 2020. Ian's efforts through 2020 helped the Industry in a time of true need. https://www.vanmag.com/Vanmag-2020-Power-50

Only three more days to support the CTS with our Two Rivers Specialty Meats fundraiser! Order some delicious meat and seafood for your Holiday celebration or as a gift for a friend! https://tworiversmeats.ca/fundraiser/chefs-table-fundraiser/

Starting the week by sending out massive congratulations to Chef Robert Clark for receiving the Order of Canada "For establishing a world-renowned program to help businesses and customers identify and purchase sustainable seafood." Rob has been integral to the success and recognition the Chefs' Table Society of BC has received. As well, the Spot Prawn Festival would not exist without his contributions and vision. Chefs like Rob make an impact everyday in our Industry and for... the betterment of the world. Thank you for all you do Chef and a huge congratulations for this amazing honour. 1st Photo: Meighan Makarchuk from the Spot Prawn Gala to celebrate 10 years of Spot Prawn Festival. 2nd Photo: Frédérique Niel at the 10th Annual Spot Prawn Festival The Order of Canada is a Canadian national order and the second highest honour for merit in the system of orders, decorations, and medals of Canada, after the Order of Merit.

Doesn't matter where you are in BC there are local-to-you chefs & restaurants that are doing everything they can to bring joy to you and yours this holiday season. In Victoria, check out the Home for the Holidays Pick-Up menu from the Inn at Laurel Point Order here: https://shop.laurelpoint.com/collections/curbside-pickup... Please feel free to share others doing local pick-up Holiday menus with us below!

Oh yes, it's Small Business Saturday today and so many restaurants you love are actually small businesses! Support them today by ordering direct for pick-up, dining out (only with your household), or buying a gift card, or tagging them below so we can give them so extra love.

If you're looking to spend money today, look close to home. Think about supporting your local restaurants by purchasing gift cards, BC farms with their products and produce, etc. Those are the people and businesses that need the help and experiences last longer thanks to your memories (and maybe some photos)

Spot Prawn tails for your holiday feasts? YES please! Order the "Surf & Turf" box from our fundraiser and treat yo' self with this delicacy. Click to order: https://tworiversmeats.ca/fundraiser/chefs-table-fundraiser/ : Meighan Makarchuk at the 2016 Spot Prawn Gala

How have you been feeling lately? Whatever it is is 100% normal. Give yourself permission to be where you're at. If it feels like something you want to try: smile. Smiling, even forced, can trick our brains and give us a boost. ... Photo from the Curry Cup where this team from One Arrow Artisan Bacon was all smiles.

While we're not able to be together under the stars, we can still eat the same delicious and sustainable products while supporting CTS initiatives through our Two Rivers Specialty Meats fundraiser! https://tworiversmeats.ca/fundraiser/chefs-table-fundraiser/

Cooks are needed everywhere. Lest we forget. Interesting read about being a cook in the military: https://eatnorth.com/jenn/life-military-cook-personal-essay

Since March we've been unable to generate our normal income through our annual events. These events help to fund scholarships and build a plan for the future, including the CTS Culinary Library. If you're starting to plan for Holiday entertaining we'd very much appreciate your support by purchasing through our Two Rivers Specialty Meats fundraising link. 15% of the order will go back into the Culinary Community. https://tworiversmeats.ca/fundraiser/chefs-table-fundraiser/

Have you seen "The Heat?" What other Industry movies (or series!) would you recommend?

Purchase frozen meat packs from Chefs’ Table Society fundraiser program with Two Rivers Specialty Meats and have 15% of sales donated to the Chefs’ Table Society. Order here: https://tworiversmeats.ca/fundraiser/chefs-table-fundraiser/

https://tworiversmeats.ca/fundraiser/chefs-table-fundraiser/

Looking for that char.

There are some things coming down the line soon that we can't wait to share!

We're so lucky to have amazing wineries in BC like Evolve Cellars! What are some of your favourites?

"Food is our common ground, a universal experience." -James Beard (1903-1985) an American chef and food writer

2020 has been a year-- in particular for the Hospitality Industry with many restaurants closing due to COVID-19. Many more would have closed without extended patios in Vancouver. We're sharing this petition in support of Mike Wiebe should you feel you want to sign it. https://www.ipetitions.com//petition-support-for-city-coun