The meal began with arancini warm mushroom-laced risotto hiding a glorious pocket of melted cheese, enrobed in a perfectly crisp golden shell, sitting in rich tomato sauce and garnished with freshly-grated parmesan and basil chiffonade. The Reuben was stuffed with house-cured spicy and juicy corned beef. The trio of macaroni and cheese was surprisingly sophisticated.
This was a meal at the NSCS Discovery Café, within Hostelling International Jericho Beach.
Found on the main floor of the hostel, behind understated signage, this is one of the best kept culinary secrets in the city. Featuring classic breakfast and lunch fare and an everchanging blackboard menu for dinner, Chef Don Guthro has already created a loyal following, not including the lucky international backpackers who have been enjoying his affordable and expertly executed meals since its opening just four months ago.
I know there are some neighbours who come every weekend for breakfast and love that fact that we are still under the radar, Guthro confides. I appreciate their support, but I hope that changes soon.
Price point and consistency aside not to mention really good food the café is part of a social enterprise Guthro has developed over the past four years. The Discovery is one of the revenue vehicles for the Culinary and Lifeskills Program, offered by his North Shore Culinary School, that offers cooks training to at-risk individuals from across the country, tuition-free. Thats right, for free.
I want to make cooks training accessible to those who normally wouldnt have this kind of opportunity. Unfortunately, going to cooking school across the country has become an experience very few can afford, Guthro explains.
His students are carefully interviewed to ensure commitment and need. Once accepted into the program, each student receives books, uniform, knife kit and room and board funded by the cafe and Guthros catering company, Culinary Choreography. In return, they participate in fundraising and events.
The school has four different locations between Vancouver and North Vancouver, with a new campus opening this fall in North Vans Mahon Park. Each offers students a different opportunity to hone their skills.
I didnt even know what a social enterprise was when I began this journey; I just started. Before I knew it, the project had taken on a life of its own, Guthro says.
Two of the training kitchens are in a homeless shelters in Vancouver and North Vancouver where students learn the art of high-volume cooking, while feeding more than 2,000 residents each week.
Guthro is encouraged and inspired by his students, 80 per cent of whom find placements after they graduate. More often than not, through these opportunities, they are able to turn their lives around and contribute to their community. Some even choose to stay with him and work in the kitchen at Jericho Beach, a testament to the relationships he builds.
And one bite of the tuxedo mousse chocolate cake will prove that the training he provides is world class...
NSCS Discovery Cafe | 1515 Discovery Street | NorthShoreCulinarySchool.ca
