You can indulge in fine dining at a fraction of the cost in Vancouver this fall

Vancouver foodies, there’s a less expensive way to indulge in top-notch culinary experiences downtown this fall.

Vancouver Community College (VCC) is training the next generation of talented students in hospitality, food services management, and culinary arts.

Because the best way of learning is by doing, VCC has its very own restaurants that offer great food at reasonable prices while equipping culinary and hospitality students with the skills needed to thrive in the industry.

Fine dining

Vancouver Community College

The first of these establishments is JJ’s Restaurant, where Culinary Arts students prepare exquisite dining experiences and a la carte menus for competitive prices.

At lunch, you can enjoy a three-course meal for $40. Choose from appetizers like the beef carpaccio or short rib, entrees like steelhead trout or rack of lamb, and delectable desserts that are sure to delight.

In the evening, guests can enjoy the Chef’s Table tasting menu – a set menu in five acts, prepared and served with flair by VCC students under the guidance of chef instructors. This particular service runs from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., and all diners are served at the same time.

A casual experience

Vancouver Community College

Fine dining is lovely, and it’s also an experience. Sometimes, you just need a chill meal or a casual opportunity to chat with friends or colleagues over lunch. If that rings true, then The Bistro will be right up your alley.

The Bistro is run by students and instructors in the hospitality program, and boasts a menu of lunchtime favourites. We’re talking burgers, salads, bowls, and all-day breakfast features.

The most expensive items on the menu are only $14, which means that you can enjoy a delicious lunch for the same price as a large oat milk pumpkin-spice latte.

Hours are Monday to Friday from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. It’s a popular place for people who work downtown, so reservations are encouraged to secure your seat.

If you’re in the area and want something quick to grab and go, you can also check out  Seiffert Market + Bakeshop — aka Vancouver’s best-kept secret for top notch baked goods, prepared foods, and delicious local coffee. This spot is known for it daily fresh pastries and desserts made by students in VCC’s Baking and Pastry Arts programs.

Your VCC future

Vancouver Community College

VCC is Western Canada’s largest culinary school, with 16 different programs and studies under the umbrellas of baking, culinary arts, and food and hospitality. It even has an Asian Culinary Arts program — the only one of its kind in North America.

Are you called to pastry arts or artisan bakeries? How about becoming a professional cook or an event planner?

Whatever you’re doing in life at this moment, it’s never too late to start over. VCC students graduate with the skills that BC employers want and need.

Learn more about these highly acclaimed programs online, and book your reservations for JJ’s Restaurant, the Chef’s Table, and The Bistro today.