VCC is thrilled to announce that its fine-dining establishment, JJ's Restaurant has been named one of OpenTable's Top 100 restaurants in Canada for 2023.
The list is culled from over 1.1 million OpenTable diner reviews. The results are tabulated based on dining metrics including diner ratings, percentage of reservations made in advance, and five-star reviews. JJ's is in esteemed company, finding a place alongside Vancouver Michelin-starred restaurants, Barbara and Kissa Tanto among other popular eateries across the country.
A hidden gem in the heart of downtown Vancouver
JJ's, located in VCC's Downtown campus, has been lauded for years among Vancouver food lovers as a hidden gem where diners can enjoy gourmet cuisine at a fraction of the cost. It's also an environment where students learn hands-on, practical, and real-world training: both the kitchen and front of house are run by VCC students who are in their 2nd level of cook training under the guidance of VCC's Chef instructors.
During lunch service, diners have the option of choosing from an à la carte menu or selecting the three-course meal for a mere $35. Tantalizing appetizers such as braised short rib with potato foam, tomato confit, gaufrette potatoes to mouth-watering entrees such as rack of lamb, shoulder terrine with späetzle, sauerkraut purée, natural jus are just a few of the options on the menu that changes to highlight local and seasonal ingredients.
Remarked one OpenTable reviewer: "I would not have known it was a culinary school had I not been told from the beginning. Food was tasty as was [the] presentation and doneness of the different meats served. Better than some nice restaurants in town."
At night, JJ's is converted to the Chef's Table dinner series where diners can enjoy a gourmet five-course prix-fix menu designed by VCC's illustrious Chef Hamid Salimian with optional selected wine pairings and served in a long-table group setting.
Western Canada's largest culinary school
At Western Canada's largest culinary school, VCC students have the opportunity to train under highly acclaimed chefs and pastry artists in a variety of programs and levels to suit their interest. Students also benefit from a number of partnerships through the college which expose them to industry events and opportunities to elevate their skill level. Annually, VCC hosts the Culinary Apprentice of the Year in partnership with Chef's Table Society of BC and recently, two VCC grads claimed gold at the World Cantonese Cuisine competition.
