Episode 255 ”Cooks Camp 2025”

Each September, chefs, cooks, and culinary enthusiasts gather at North Arm Farm in Pemberton, BC for three unforgettable days of cooking, learning, and connecting at CooksCamp. Since 2022, this annual retreat—hosted by the Chefs’ Table Society of BC—has become a must-attend event for both rising talent and seasoned professionals.

In this episode, we take you inside CooksCamp 2025 (Sept 10–12) to share what it’s really like to be part of this one-of-a-kind gathering. From the crisp morning foraging walks to the hands-on butchery demos, the farm buzzed with energy, knowledge, and collaboration.

Highlights included:

• Wild Foraging Tours – exploring edible treasures with award-winning chefs.

• Cultural Dinners – from Filipino foodways and resilience to a grand Italian feast.

• Skill-Building Sessions – beef breakdowns, sausage making, bluefin tuna demos, and dry-aging workshops.

• Panels & Talks – media training, financial literacy, HR problem-solving, farming and food security, and Indigenous foodways.

• Community & Collaboration – associations and advocates across BC uniting to support young chefs and strengthen the industry.

• World’s Largest Family Meal – chefs from across Canada cooking together, serving dishes that celebrated diverse culinary traditions.

CooksCamp isn’t just about cooking—it’s about connection, mentorship, and inspiration. It’s a space where culinary students rub shoulders with industry icons, where learning is hands-on, and where Canadian food culture is honored and pushed forward.

For me, the experience is always a reminder of why I chose this profession: the camaraderie, the craft, and the chance to keep growing.

Tune in as William and I relive the moments, conversations, and flavours that made CooksCamp 2025 an event to remember—and maybe share a few laughs, as we always do.

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