Chef Jonathan Frazier is joining forces with North Island College tourism and hospitality students to launch one of the Comox Valley’s first ‘pop-up’ restaurants at Longlands Golf Course.
‘NIC at Longlands’ opens Thursday, Feb. 7 for a mouth-watering dinner and unique dining experience with one of the Comox Valley’s most recognized chefs.
The restaurant will be open for Tuesday lunches, Thursday and Friday dinners and other culinary and wine events until March 22. Seats are limited and reservations are recommended.
Frazier, a former longtime chef at Courtenay’s Atlas Café and now owner of the gourmet Blue Spruce Ice Cream shop, will lead the kitchen, while NIC students in the Food & Beverage Service THM-170 course will provide front-end service at the events.
Frazier is looking forward to serving a combination of tried-and-tested recipes with some newer, surprise offerings. Menu items include braised beef shanks and roasted fennel and orange salad.
“For me, it’s an opportunity to get into the kitchen and play around with a couple of dishes,” said Frazier, who is also creator and host of the Edible Valley Podcast on local food culture.
‘Pop-ups’ are increasingly popular in the food service industry. According to the US National Restaurant Association’s 2018 ‘What’s Hot’ chef’s survey, pop-ups are among the most popular restaurant concept trends.
The temporary eateries are a cost-effective way for chefs to plate new dishes or concepts and offer a unique dining experience.
“It’s a different way for people to come out and enjoy a really affordable dinner,” said Frazier.
The new Comox Valley pop-up is possible, thanks to a partnership with Longlands Golf Course.
“We are proud to host NIC at Longlands,” said Ron Coulson, owner of Longlands and Crown Isle Golf Resort. “Supporting the academic and professional development of students is a worthy goal for any employer. NIC’s tourism and hospitality training is top-notch and we make a point of hiring program graduates.”
Deborah Forsyth, NIC tourism and hospitality department chair, said the pop-up model provides a rare opportunity.
“This is a hot trend in the industry right now and students will see firsthand how to deliver excellent food and wine service,” said Forsyth. “We’re also very excited to be working with Jonathan Frazier. His reputation as one of the Valley’s top chefs is well-deserved and food and wine lovers are not going to want to miss this menu.”
For a complete menu, schedule and reservations, visit https://bit.ly/2TrnVJe
To book your seat, email tourism@nic.bc.ca or call 250-334-5292.