Tag Archives: The Uncommon Cafe

The Uncommon Café Offers Basic Choux Pastry & Basic Canning Classes

8 Aug

ChouxPastryTartineMapleOur friends at The Uncommon Café, 477 Powell Street, have lined up some more fun classes this August. The classes are led by Valentine Kitamura owner of Tartine Maple.   Valentine was born and raised in France and is a chef that has worked in hotels in Paris, Singapore, New Orleans and Toronto.  She now works with The Uncommon Café, a commissary and café located just across the street from Oppenheimer Park. This great spot now has a lot of great company with Ed’s Daily, The Heatley and The MacKenzie Room just minutes away. We’ve set out below the classes they have lined up this August which are a bit shorter, 2 hours, so you can maximize your time outdoors.

Basic Choux Pastry –  August 10th 6-8 pm

This is one of their most popular classes in which you learn to make basic choux pastry. Although this class is a bit shorter, you will still learn the basics of making cream puffs and eclairs. You will also get to pipe your own pastries, fill and decorate them, before taking everything home to devour.  The cost of this class is $50 per person, but if you book one week in advance, you save 15%.  You can book your spot online via Eventbrite.

Basic Canning – Keep Summer In The Jar – August 17th 6-8 pm

This is a new class that will introduce you to the basic techniques of canning.  With all the summer fruit that’s now on hand, this is certainly a way to keep some of those summer flavours handy.  This is a demonstration class and Valentine will show you how to make blackberry jam and as well as dill pickles.  She will also talk about how to can fruits, salsa, pate so you leave with some great tips to work with at home.The cost of this class is also $50 per person, and again if you book one week in advance, you save 15%.   You can book your spot online via Eventbrite. Canning

If you haven’t already checked out their classes, we encourage to pop down and give them a try.

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The Uncommon Café Offers Another Great Line Up Of Cooking Classes

30 Jun

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Our friends at The Uncommon Café, 477 Powell Street, have another set of fun cooking classes lined up for the summer. The classes are led by Valentine Kitamura owner of Tartine Maple.   Valentine was born and raised in France and is a chef that has worked in hotels in Paris, Singapore, New Orleans and Toronto.  She now works with The Uncommon Café, a commissary and café located just across the street from Oppenheimer Park. This great spot now has a lot of great company with Ed’s Daily, The Heatley and The MacKenzie Room just minutes away. We’ve set out below their next series of classes which we expect will be delicious and fun.

Dinner & Demo: Summer Appies & Desserts Without Heat – July 6th 6-9 pm

This is a demonstration cooking class after which dinner will be served to all the class participants.  Some of the delish dishes you will learn to make include Hummus, Gazpacho, Ceviche, Panna Cotta and Sorbet. The cost of this class is $75 per person, but if you book in advance (one week prior), the cost is $65. You can book your spot online via Eventbrite.

Cooking Class: Brioche Making – July 13th 6-9 pm

This class was offered in June and was so popular, they are doing it again! In this class, Valentine will teach you how to make Brioche. Once you have the basic dough mastered, she will teach you how to make a Basic Brioche Loaf, Braided Brioche, Brioche Cinnamon Rolls and Brioche BBQ Pork Buns. What I love best about their classes, you get to enjoy a class of wine while brushing up on your kitchen skills.  The cost of this class is $65 per person, but again if you book one week in advance, the cost is $55.  You can book your spot online via Eventbrite.

Choux & Champagne: Eclairs Cooking Class  – July 20th 6-9 pm

To celebrate Tartine & Maple’s one year anniversary, they are hosting a class that will be about Choux Pastries. The evening will also include a cocktail party with champagne as well as samplers of some of the best dishes prepared in their cooking classes such as Tabbouleh, Quiche, Brioche and Mmmmm … Chocolate Mousse. The cost of this class is $60 per person, and again if you book on week in advance, the cost is $50. Visit Eventbrite to book your spot.

As you can see, signing up early guarantees you a spot at a reduced rate.  If you haven’t already checked out their classes, we encourage to pop down and give them a try.

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The Uncommon Café Hosts Oriental Inspiration, Brioche Making & Ice Cream Making

25 May

UncommonCafeOrientalInspirationOur friends at The Uncommon Café, 477 Powell Street, have a few fun cooking classes coming up. The classes are led by  Valentine Kitamura owner of Tartine Maple.   Valentine was born and raised in France and is a chef that has worked in hotels in Paris, Singapore, New Orleans and Toronto.  She now works with The Uncommon Café, a commissary and café located just across the street from Oppenheimer Park. This great spot now has a lot of great company with Ed’s Daily, The Heatley and The MacKenzie Room just minutes away. We’ve set out below their upcoming classes which we expect will be delicious and fun.

Cooking Class & Dinner: Oriental Inspiration – June 1st 6-9 pm

This is a demonstration cooking class after which dinner will be served to all the class participants.  Some of the delish dishes you will learn to make include Lebanese Tabbouleh, Chicken Lemon Tagine, Coconut Mousse and Mango Coulis. The cost of this class is $75 per person, but if you book in advance (by May 27th), cost is $65. You can book your spot online via Eventbrite.

Cooking Class: Brioche Making – June 15th 6-9 pm

In this class, Valentine will teach you how to make Brioche. Once you have the basic dough mastered, she will teach you how to make a Basic Brioche Loaf, Braided Brioche, Brioche Cinnamon Rolls and Brioche BBQ Pork Buns. What I love best about their classes, you get to enjoy a class of wine while brushing up on your kitchen skills.  The cost of this class is $65 per person, but again if you book one week in advance, the cost is $55.  You can book your spot online via Eventbrite.

Ice Cream Without A Machine – June 22nd 6-9 pm

Yes, you can make ice cream without an ice cream maker. Having said that, you will need a blender whether a standing blender, food processor or immersion blender AND a mixer (such as Kitchen-Aid or hand mixer). Valentine will teach you how to make some great ice cream and other frozen desserts including Lemon & Raspberry Semifreddo, Strawberry Frozen Yogurt, Vanilla Ice Cream Base and One Endless Possibility Ice Cream.  To get you into the mood for your class, you will be greeted with a Margarita Granita served upon your arrival. How sweet is that?  We love the way they do classes!  The cost of this class is $65 per person, and again if you book on week in advance, the cost is $55. Visit Eventbrite to book your spot.UncommonCafeFrozenDesserts

As you can see, signing up early guarantees you a spot at a reduced rate.  If you haven’t already checked out their classes, we encourage to pop down and give them a try.

 

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The Uncommon Café Hosts More Delish Cooking Classes This March

8 Mar

ProvinceInspiredMenuThe Uncommon Café, 477 Powell Street, is hosting more delicious cooking classes to help you sharpen those culinary skills.   Valentine Kitamura owner of Tartine Maple will again be leading the upcoming classes.  Valentine was born and raised in France and is a chef that has worked in hotels in Paris, Singapore, New Orleans and Toronto.  She now works with The Uncommon Café, a commissary and café, located just across the street from Oppenheimer Park.  The Uncommon Café and Valentine have recently started offering a series of cooking classes  and the next ones lined up sound pretty delish. They include:

Cooking Class & Dinner: Provence Inspired Menu (March 16)

The items you will learn to make and have the pleasure of enjoying that evening include:

“Croustillants de Chèvre”: crispy triangle pastries filled with goat cheese.

“Bouillabaisse” The best fish and shellfish stew you can have.

“Poire Pochée” Poached pears in a seasonal spiced syrup.

Note this class was added after the same class scheduled for March 9th sold out. Cooking class and dinner is $70 and tickets are available via Eventbrite. Early booking gets your $10 off.

Kitchen Skills Series – Don’t Fear The Fish (March 23)

The items you will learn to make and have the pleasure of making and enjoying include:

Mussels in White Wine and Cream Sauce

Herb-Crusted Salmon

Pan Fried Cod with Sauce Beurre Blanc

The aim of this class is to demystify the fear of cooking fish. As it is easy to overcook, Valentine will teach you what you need to know.  Classes do start out with a glass of wine and we are told they won’t let you leave without offering you something sweet to finish your night off with.  Note, this class is a demonstration Don'tFearFishclass and although not full portions, they promise that you won’t leave hungry. Again, the cost of this cooking class is $70 with $10 off for those that register early.  Registration is available via Eventbrite.  Bon appetit!

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Kitchen Series Skills Class At The Uncommon Café – All About The Bread

16 Feb

AllAboutTheBreadThe Uncommon Café, 477 Powell Street, is hosting their next class in their Kitchen Skills Series – All About The Bread on February 24th. For this class, they have partnered with bread maker Stephen Louie who will introduce you to the basics of bread making along with some easy tricks.  Some of the delicious bread you will be making include a buttermilk loaf  and a multigrain loaf with various seeds including sesame, poppy and sunflower seeds.  They will also show you how easy it is to master the art of making pizza dough.  From there, they will show you how you can easily use that same dough to make rolls, buns and more.  To start things off right though, the gang at The Uncommon Café will serve you some savoury snacks. You will, of course, get to taste everything that is made during the class including the pizza along with a glass of wine. The All About Bread class takes place on February 24th from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. The cost is $60, but psst you can save 20% by using the code SAVE20 if you register by Friday, February 19th. To register, visit Eventbrite.

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The Uncommon Café Hosts Two New Cooking Classes

19 Jan

KitchenSkills#1UncommonThe Uncommon Café, 477 Powell Street, is hosting some fun new cooking classes to help you ‘sharpen’ your culinary skills.   Valentine Kitamura owner of Tartine Maple will be leading the two upcoming classes.  Valentine was born and raised in France and is a chef that has worked in hotels in Paris, Singapore, New Orleans and Toronto.  She now works with The Uncommon Café, a commissary and café, located just across the street from Oppenheimer Park.  The Uncommon Café and Valentine have partnered to offer a series of cooking class once per month. The first one they have lined up is Wednesday, January 27th Kitchen Skills Series #1. Their first class is intended to help novice cooks get some basics in the kitchen. With the cold winter weather, their first class in this series will introduce you to making “Stocks, Soups and Stews”.  The cost of this class is $60, but get $10 off if you book early. You can register at Eventbrite.

On February 10th, you and your partner are invited to learn how to prepare a romantic dinner. This will be a demonstration cooking class.  You will be served the entire dinner prepared that evening by candle light which will be paired with wine. The cost of this class is $70. Again, to register visit Eventbrite. If you register in advance save $10 per person.   Bon Appetit!  UPDATE: February 10th class is SOLD OUT. A second class has been added February 13th and for those that book early, you can save 20% by using the code SAVE20. ValentineUncommonTartine

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Cooking Classes: Holiday Entertaining & Sweet Treats To Gift At The Uncommon Cafe

26 Nov

TartineMaplePuffThe Uncommon Café, 477 Powell Street, is hosting some fun cooking classes which will help you with your holiday entertaining and/or gift giving or possibly both.  Valentine Kitamura owner of Tartine Maple will be leading two classes this December.  Valentine was born and raised in France and is a chef that has worked in hotels in Paris, Singapore, New Orleans and Toronto.  She now works with The Uncommon Café, a commissary and café located just across the street from Oppenheimer Park.  This December they are collaborating and offering two cooking classes Holidays Entertaining and Sweet Treats to Gifts.

On December 2nd, the cooking class is all about entertaining for the holidays.  Valentine will show you the endless possibilities of puff pastry. Learn both sweet and savory variations including brie & cranberry squares, palmiers and apple roses to wow your guests.  This is a hands on class and you will get to eat everything that is made during the class. Oh and did we mention, there will be champagne for sipping while you take this class.  You are asked to bring containers so you can take some of creations home, that is if you don’t eat them all. This Holiday Entertaining class is  $60 and runs from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.  To register, visit Eventbrite. Register by November 29th and save $10.

On December 16th, learn how to make marshmallows, we are hearing much easier than one might think as well as caramels and truffles. All can be tweaked to individual tastes so you can create your own unique flavours to either give away as gifts or keep for entertaining.  Experience is not required for these classes, but a few items would be handy to make these items at home including a good mixer, a cooking thermostat and baking pans. This is also a hands on class and yes again with champagne!  Don’t forget to bring some containers to take home the treats you’ve made.  The Sweet Treats to Gift class is $60 and also runs from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.  To register, visit Eventbrite. If you register by December 9th, save $10.

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Bon appetit!

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Say Hi To A Stranger – 3rd Edition August 21 – 23

14 Aug

SayHiToStranger2015PINKThe “Say Hi To A Stranger” Campaign returns August 21st – 23rd. We are pleased to see this event continue which was created by A Cue Creative Consulting. A large study conducted in 2012 by the Vancouver Foundation shows that socializing is challenging for many city residents. About one-third of respondents agree that it is difficult to make new friends in Vancouver, and that proportion jumps to half of respondents who have lived in Canada for fewer than five years.

For those unfamiliar with this campaign, the first Say Hi To A Stranger Weekend occurred on November 8 – 10, 2013 shortly after local writer Chelsea Pescitelli identified Vancouver as “anti-social” in her VancityBuzz article “Single in Vancouver: The Asocial Single Society.”  A Cue Creative Consulting responded with a video and blog post that spread online. They dared Vancouverites to say “Hi!” to strangers and tweet about their experience with the hashtag #sayhitoastranger. The A Cue Creative team discovered that Vancouver could be a social and open city, but needed a push to open up and start communicating. Along with the team being featured in mainstream media, approximately 200 people gathered at the checkpoints over the weekend, and more than 5,000 people engaged with the blog and on social media online. #sayhitoastranger trended on Twitter on Thursday, November 7, 2013.

We at IliveInEastVan.com were one of the many that participated in this initial campaign as we love the premise of encouraging social interaction on the streets of Vancouver. We fully support this great initiative and applaude Kaare Long and her team for keeping this discussion going. It’s easy to be complacent and just accept that ‘it is what it is’ or you can take steps to make a difference however small to make the City a better place. On August 21st, they kick off their 3rd edition of #SayHiToAStranger with an Opening Party at Grandview Park from 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm. You are invited to come down and say hi and learn more about the campaign. You will also receive information about their community partners who will be providing free food, drinks, gifts and other promotions to people who engage with street teams and receive a button and use the code phrase “Say Hi To A Stranger”. Their community partners in East Van include:

Bird on a Wire Creations, 2535 Main Street
Home on the Range Organics, 235 East Broadway
Magpie Vancouver , 3633 Main Street
Second Nature Home Boutique, 1827 Victoria Diversion
The Uncommon Café, 477 Powell Street

We ask you, will you say hi to a stranger?

Dr.SuessSometimes

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