Rising Tides, Rising Chefs

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Wednesday, October 28th, 2026
6:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Rising Tides, Rising Chefs is coming to VIU on October 28, and this is your chance to experience one of the most ambitious culinary events ever hosted in Nanaimo.

For one night only, VIU is partnering with Culinary Team Canada who will be joined by some of British Columbia's most celebrated chefs, restaurants, wineries, breweries and distilleries to create an extraordinary tasting experience featuring more than 18 interactive culinary stations.

Imagine spending the evening sampling:

• Butter Poached Lobster Tarts with charred corn and lime espuma

• Oysters on the Half Shell from Taylor Shellfish

• Foie Gras Terrine with pickled stone fruits and pistachio cracker

• BC Halibut & Scallop Terrine with juniper beurre blanc

• Honey Glazed BBQ Pork Belly from Kingfisher Pacific Resort & Spa

• Black Tiger Prawn Kinilaw from Sooke Harbour House

• Smoked Mushroom & Beef Short Rib Tart from Tigh-Na-Mara

• Albacore Tuna creations from both Culinary Team Canada and Food Day Canada

And for dessert? 

Indulge in creations from Quails' Gate Winery, Wild Poppy and Culinary Team Canada, including Apple "Cannoli," Spiced Pumpkin Opera Torte and Coconut Dacquoise with passionfruit espuma. Your ticket also includes curated beverage tastings and pairings from Blue Grouse Winery, Big Bang Cidery, Arbutus Distillery, Mt. Arrowsmith Brewing and Southern Glazer's.

But Rising Tides, Rising Chefs is more than an incredible night out. Proceeds support VIU Culinary Arts students and Culinary Team Canada, helping provide the training, mentorship and opportunities needed to develop the next generation of culinary leaders. Your attendance helps students learn directly from some of Canada's best chefs while supporting Team Canada's journey to the RAK Porcelain Culinary World Cup in Luxembourg.

This is not a seated dinner. It's a culinary adventure.
Bring friends. Bring fellow food lovers. Bring your appetite.
Tickets are limited and expected to become increasingly scarce as the event approaches. Reserve your spot today.