Bakery 101 at Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts

While I do not dislike my studies in Commerce currently, it's been evident to me for a while that if I have to spend another three years going through something that does not inspire me, I might explode.
Or something of that nature. : )

So in a spontaneous and rash move, I decided to get more information on other options I had for the coming year. I really only intended to receive a brochure in the mail, but lo and behold, the Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts calls me up and asks if I want to take a tour. I go, what the heck. I have time. Next thing you know, I'm set up for a tour the next day. Off to Granville~ A few buddies tagged along for the moral support.

For the Olympics they've set up the Granville Island Train, which runs from the Olympic Village skytrain station to Granville island. Great thing it was there too, or else we would have gotten lost. My friend noted the leather seating and leather hand bars. Quality quality. Which is great, except the thing moves at less than 30 mph. Hah. We went pretty early in the morning, so the lines were fine, but when we were heading back.. wow. There's no way I would want to wait for that.

Anyways, the Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts runs Bakery 101 and Bistro 101, a bakery and restaurant connected to their school. The Bakery features student work that has been created throughout the day. They've also got a special menu going on for the Olympics.

Unfortunately, Bistro 101 was closed off for an event for the day, so we were stuck at Bakery 101, right across from Bistro 101's entrance. (Not too much of a loss). Bakery 101 features sandwiches and soups along with their dessert treats, so you could easily have a light lunch here. There are also a decent amount of tables.

We were a half-hour early for the tour, since we gave extra time allowance in case Olympic traffic slowed us down. We decided to grab some food while we waited. Friends got a caprese sandwich (fresh mozerrela, tomato, balsamic vinaigrette, spinach), and mushroom soup. Unfortunately, they devoured both before I could get a picture.. I did however get a picture of the dessert we shared.  : )

Pasuwa cake. $3 (?). Light chocolate mousse with a denser chocolate cake base. Cheesecake centre and lined inside with chocolate chips. This was delightful since it wasn't too sweet. I appreciated this as it was so early in the morning.

There wasn't a lot of cheesecake filling. I took a few bites, which were only mousse and cake base. Since my friend got this on the fly, I wanted to go back to the front to see the name of what he got. I didn't actually realize there would be cheesecake until I came back and they were almost finished the cake. The cheesecake had a very sharp flavour, and was almost fruity. The intention I'm guessing with the sharp cheesecake is to contrast with the subtle mousse. Maybe if I had a few more bites I would have appreciated this more.

A window right across from Bakery 101 had the "finishing up" kitchen, part of the school. See those cakes up there? Aren't they pretty? During the tour, the Director of Admissions told us that during the baking and pastry classes, you don't actually complete a whole wedding cake yourself, since this would only waste time (hours and hours of making cake just to cover it over with fondant and whatnot). Instead, underneath those pretty fondant designs is styrofoam! I know. I was disappointed. They look so omnomable. They smash those later too ;____;

An enjoyable snack before our culinary tour. I am extremely interested in making a run for it and getting away from UBC. Heading towards here for baking and pastry arts seems very appealing. They also make a business management class mandatory in their curriculum, so those that wish to pursue a career in the culinary arts may be able to do so.

Bakery 101:

Food:

•  Decently priced desserts.
• Tasty soups (At least the cream of mushroom soup we had)
• Sandwiches are average

Atmosphere:

• Very cute. Was gorgeous with the beautiful weather.

Service:

• Student run. 
• Polite