Well Seasoned Cooking Class making Salmon

With many cooking classes taking place around the city, I wondered what the differences were between each of them, and what made each standout. Some classes include copies of the chefs cookbooks, author signings, have celebrity chefs, or are fundraisers for non profit groups. I decided to set out on my own adventure and partake in some classes around the city.

Here is the second of many classes that I will be taking. Well Seasoned is a cooking school and gourmet food store located in Langley.

Chef Wayne Sych (L) & Sous Chef Kevin Gall (R)

On May 27th, I took part in a Salmon cooking class taught by Chef Wayne Sych formerly of The Cannery. My class was held upstairs with 21 other passionate people who love to cook and was non participatory meaning the Chef and his assistant Sous Chef Kevin Gall did all the preparation and cooking, explaining each step as all the participants followed along with the recipes that were handed out when the class started.

The cooking classes take place inside Well Seasoned in two cooking facilities one upstairs and the other downstairs. I had the opportunity to choose from any of their daily classes and chose Salmon which is a staple ingredient on the West Coast. Chef Wayne Sych created a fantastic menu featuring Sweet chipotle glazed Salmon with Charred Pineapple Salsa, Salmon Kaffir Lime Cakes with Japanese style Ponzu Dipping Sauce, Asian inspired Poached Salmon with Preserved Black Bean Vinaigrette, Pumpkin Crusted Salmon with Mediterranean Gazpacho and finally Baked Salmon with Steamed Clams Provencal.

Most of the classes are 2-1/2 hours and this class began with guests treated to a glass of wine. The room set-up for our class was a group of people including me sitting at the front around the cooking table/stove and then 3 rows of high table seating behind us, everyone had a great view with a rooftop mirror to see all the cooking action.

Our menu for the evening,

We were all served some bread with The Cannery lobster oil for dipping for a little appetizer.

For the 1st dish, Poached Salmon with Black Bean Vinaigrette

Poaching Salmon

Poached Salmon with Black Bean Vinaigrette

For the 2nd dish, Sweet chipotle glazed Salmon with Charred Pineapple Salsa

Searing Salmon

Glazing the Salmon

Sweet chipotle glazed Salmon with Charred Pineapple Salsa

For the 3rd dish, Baked Salmon with Steamed Clams Provencal

Baked Salmon with Steamed Clams Provencal

Baked Salmon with Steamed Clams Provencal

After the 3rd dish the class took a break to stretch and go shopping in the store. All class particpants who provided with an opportunity to shop in the gourmet store and to receive 10% off their purchases during the evening.

Talking during the break

After the Break

For the 4th dish, Salmon Kaffir Lime Cakes with Japanese style Ponzu Dipping Sauce

Salmon cake mixture

Kevin shaping the Salmon Cakes

Frying the Salmon Cakes

Salmon Kaffir Lime Cakes with Japanese style Ponzu Dipping Sauce

For the 5th dish, Pumpkin Crusted Salmon with Mediterranean Gazpacho

Crusting the Salmon

Frying the Salmon

Baked Salmon

Pumpkin Crusted Salmon with Mediterranean Gazpacho

Ticket prices range for each of the classes. For tickets and info, call 604-530- 1518 or check out the complete Calendar at Well Seasoned

Stay tuned to part 3 of the Cooking Class Series in Vancouver.

By: Richard Wolak

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