Cook Culture Celebrates Year 2 with an Open House

Left: Regan Grieve, center: Bert, right: Jed Grieve

VICTORIA
My senses were on high alert from the moment I walked through the door and into Cook Culture’s second Birthday Bash, November 10. The spicy scent of curry wafted up my nose and made my taste buds tingle with anticipation. The beautifully appointed kitchen was in full swing, showcasing chef and CBC reporter Khalil Akhtar making the Indian potato dish Vada Pav. Accompanying the potato dumpling on its fresh brioche was a lovely riata – fresh clean and bright with flavour. If that wasn’t enough, the rapt crowd watching the demonstration was able to move from there to the impressive tasting table of specialty chocolate bars, lovingly collected by chef David Mincey. Chef Mincey is so passionate about chocolate that he has his own chocolate cellar, so who better to discuss the nuances of flavours with as they melted in my mouth?!

Left: Pots, center: Khalil Akhtar, right: Vada Pav

Selection of choclates from David Mincey

For the past two years Cook Culture has been providing a unique series of cooking classes and hosting a diverse range of visiting and local chefs. Owner Jed Grieve and his wife Reagan love to cook and see the value in offering great products and tools for every chef, home cook and passionate eater.

They are excited about plans for the coming year. They are hoping to open a second store by Christmas 2013 and are scouting possible locations. Along with their colourful array of Emile Henry and Le Creuset, they will be increasing their product inventory by 10% and bringing in the full Vitamix line at competitive prices. They’ll also be carrying a larger selection of knives – and continuing their excellent practice of letting customers test-drive them for fit and function in the show kitchen (while feeling a bit like a celebrity chef).

In addition, there are some spectacular prizes to be won, including a Chef Home Invasion worth $2500, by visiting the store and purchasing a $5 ticket in support of the Island Chef Collaborative.

—By KIRSTEN TYLER

Cook Culture

1317 Blanshard St, The Atrium Building , Victoria, BC.

Ph: 250 590 8161

Mon to Fri: 10 am to 5:30 pm , Saturday: 10:30 am to 5:30 pm , Sun and Holidays: 11:30 am to 4:30 pm