Northwest Culinary Institute

Transforming Ingredients into Culinary Art! Our latest class showcased their skills by catering our February Air and Hospitality class's graduation ceremony, serving delicious dishes with passion and precision. Bon appétit!

Today we are closed in honoring Juneteenth. Reflecting on freedom, celebrating progress. 🌟

Meet our instructor, Chef JD Thomas!
Chef J.D. Thomas, a San Diego native, began working in restaurants at 14, developed his family's Seattle restaurants to a 3-star rating, graduated as Valedictorian from culinary school, and has been a Culinary Educator for over 16 years. Named ACF’s 2011 Northwest Chapter “Chef of the Year,” he is now Lead Instructor and Manager of Northwest Culinary Institute in Vancouver, WA.

Chef Greg and his culinary students hosted a lunch for our admission team last Thursday. Check out some of the delicious food they prepared. 😋 Lobster cakes, lamb chops with chickpea fritter, tzatziki, rapini, and harissa demi. And for dessert, an olive oil cake, star anise ice cream, orange caramel, and honeycomb brittle.
Are you ready to start your journey in the culinary arts? Apply today: www.northwestculinary.com/

Northwest Culinary Institute provides a unique learning environment where theory, practice, and real-world application of advanced culinary techniques are emphasized. With small classes led by experienced chefs, students benefit from personalized instruction and hands-on learning, fostering their development into culinary professionals in a supportive atmosphere.
Apply now at: www.northwestculinary.com

Meet our instructor Chef Greg Smith!
Greg's culinary journey began in esteemed US kitchens, learning from luminaries like Charlie Trotter. Joining Noble Rot in 2003, he rose to executive chef. After a break in 2008, he returned in 2009 from Grain and Gristle, enriching Noble Rot with his expertise and local ties. Reappointed as Executive Chef in 2019, Greg's influence expanded with TV appearance on "Chopped" and representing Pacific Northwest ingredients globally, reflecting his commitment to excellence and innovation in dining.

This week, culinary arts students from Lake Oswego High School got to tour our culinary school kitchen and main campus! They were able to talk to our instructors, students, and faculty to learn more about our program and enjoy some delicious treats provided by the culinary students. 😋
Learn more about our culinary program here: www.northwestculinary.com

It's Blueberry season!! Enjoy this recipe for Blueberry Salsa, compliments of Chef JD Thomas of Northwest Culinary Institute!

Blueberry Salsa

Ingredients:
3 C. Whole Blueberries. (Preferably fresh during the season and frozen works just fine!)
2 tsp. Sugar
¼ C. Lime Juice
2 tsp Balsamic Vinegar

3 Tbsp. Chopped Cilantro
1 Jalapeno Pepper, brunoise
1/3 Cup Brunoise Red Bell Pepper
1/3 Cup Brunoise English Cucumber
Salt to taste

Directions:

1. Place berries in a sauce pan along with the lime juice, vinegar and sugar and cook over low heat until berries start to release juice.

2. Combine remaining ingredients in a separate bowl and mix together.

3. When berries start to soften, use the back of a spoon to crush most of them (leave some whole).

4. Add remaining ingredients and bring to low simmer. Adjust seasoning to taste. Serve warm over Grilled Salmon, Chicken or Pork Loin Chops!

*If your salsa is a little watery, add a couple teaspoons of a cornstarch slurry to help bind it up.

*Brunoise: 1/8” x 1/8” x 1.8” cut…or just a really small dice.

Do you know that Portland is one of the top foodie cities in the country? Why not attend culinary school here. northwest Culinary Institute is located in Vancouver, WA just across the river from Portland. Some of the local foods that you’ll be exposed to in the Pacific Northwest include Marionberry pie, Walla Walla onions, and LOTS of fresh salmon.

Pacific Northwest Foods to Enjoy Portland, OR has ranked within the top 10 foodie cities in the U.S. on most. Portland, OR is known for its fresh/local ingredients, unique food trucks, a wide diversity in food, and the famous Portland Farmers' Market

Can you envision yourself working in one of the most beautiful parts of the U.S.? We conducted an interview with a recruiter from Kiwanda Hospitality to answer some of your questions!

Working on the Coast, an Interview with Kiwanda Hospitality Get to know Kiwanda Hospitality, a company who runs several vacation locations as well as Pelican Brewing Company and other eateries.

We highlight recipes that are traditional and commonly found in Germany. Oma Gerhild Fulson, is one of the main chefs quoted in this article so we wanted to share a little bit about her.

European Cuisines: Germany This month, we are finishing up our series of European Cuisine by highlighting authentic German recipes. If you want to see other articles...