Barbara-Jo's Social Club

Explores an Asian Dreamland

Barbara-Jo’s Social Club members will become culinary voyagers to Asia this season, as we explore the food cultures of Japan, China, Vietnam, and India. Fourteen lively and well-rounded foodies are invited to join this intimate group, which will come together for a series of seven events. Members will explore the intricate arts of making sushi, noodles, and tea, and will also enjoy such indulgences as an epicurean tour of Chinatown and a Bollywood-inspired feast.

This package costs $795.00, which includes all meals and books. Members may give tickets to friends as gifts, if unable to attend themselves. Events commence on Wednesday, January 16th and conclude on Tuesday, May 27th. Unless otherwise noted, events take place at our Main Shop.

Please call 604-688-6755 to register.

	Wednesday, January 16th, 6:00 pm Presenter: author and sushi chef Hiroko Shimbo Book: The Sushi Experience by Hiroko Shimbo The inaugural event of our Social Club presents a special opportunity to learn from James Beard-award-winning author Hiroko Shimbo, whose book The Sushi Experience has become an instant classic on the subject of understanding, making, and enjoying sushi. Japanese-born Shimbo, visiting from New York, will demonstrate how attention to detail in preparing sushi’s various components yields delicious results.
	Monday, February 25th, 6:00 pm Presenter: Peter Fong of Ganache Patisserie Book: The Sweet Spot by Pichet Ong It’s time to think outside the fortune cookie. Pichet Ong’s Asian-inspired desserts in The Sweet Spot are creative interpretations of both Asian and North American favourites, such as Ovaltine and Milk Chocolate Kulfi with Caramelized Banana and Apple and Cranberry Sesame Crisp with Ginger-Rum Raisin Ice Cream. Peter Fong, Yaletown’s favourite pâtissier, will craft this evening’s menu of sweet, spicy, and vibrant flavours.
	Wednesday, March 12th, 6:00 pm Presenter: Brock Li of Legendary Noodle Book: Takeaway by Les Huynh Noodle-lovers will revel in sucking and slurping away at the evening’s menu, which celebrates the many joys, both humble and refined, of this Asian staple. Chef Brock Li—a former physicist—visits from Legendary Noodle to demonstrate the art and science of his noodle-making prowess, including how to knead, stretch, and cut dough. Members will also receive a copy of  Les Huynh’s Takeaway, which offers a wealth of recipes for showcasing your noodles at home.
	Wednesday, March 26th, 6:00 pm Presenter: food stylist and journalist Nathan Fong Book: Into the Vietnamese Kitchen by Andrea Nguyen Into the Vietnamese Kitchen is the first-ever major Vietnamese cookbook to be published in English. Milestone status aside, Andrea Nguyen’s recipes speak for themselves, ranging from the bright flavours of phớ to spicy crab to slow-cooked pork. Award-winning food stylist and writer Nathan Fong has travelled extensively in Vietnam. Members can look forward to building their repertoire of Vietnamese cooking techniques and savouring Nathan’s unforgettable dinner.
	Saturday, April 12th, 10:00 am Presenter: Bob Sung, founder of A Wok Around Chinatown Book: Eating Stories: A Chinese Canadian and Aboriginal Potluck Location: Meet at Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden at 10:00 am Bob Sung’s Chinatown tours are incredibly popular with locals and tourists alike, thanks to both his extensive knowledge and his talent at bringing the area’s unique food culture to life. This morning’s tour will be followed by a dim sum lunch. Members will also receive copies of Eating Stories, a fascinating collection of essays on food and memory by Chinese and Aboriginal authors, including Bob Sung himself.
	Wednesday, May 7th, 6:00 pm Presenter: Bill Lee of the Institute of Masters of Tea Arts Book: The Story of Tea by Mary Lou Heiss and Robert J. Heiss Tea master Bill Lee normally educates students pursuing a Master of Tea Arts diploma. Tonight, he will condense much of their curriculum into our Chinese tea ceremony. Bill will discusses how tea is grown and processed and demonstrate how it should be served and tasted. Members will develop a deeper appreciation of the beauty and function of the tea ceremony, and will also each take home a copy of The Story of Tea, a vividly illustrated history-cum-guide.
	Tuesday, May 27th, 6:00 pm Presenter: Vikram Vij of Vij’s Restaurant While many of our members are sure to be familiar with Vikram Vij’s passion for Indian cuisine, his love of Bollywood musicals and melodramas is likely not so well known, though it should lead to just as much fun this evening. Join Vikram for a cinema salon-style event, at which he will present his favourite Bollywood movie and prepare a farewell menu for the group from the restaurant’s bestselling cookbook.