New Chef inspires new menu at Infusions

Okanagan College Media Release - Sept. 21, 2011

Expect a world of new flavours on the menu next time you dine at Infusions – the showcase for Okanagan College’s Culinary Arts program.

With a focus on fresh with a B.C. flair, the new chef instructor of the Culinary Arts program Jim Armstrong brings the best of internationally inspired cuisine to the table.

Creations as varied as Baby Frisée Greens featuring an Okanagan apple walnut vinaigrette, to grilled pesto chicken Panini, or even a seared salmon with a shellfish saffron broth are bound to capture attention of foodies looking for new twists on tradition.

Armstrong comes by his passion for B.C. cuisine honestly. He launched his career 30 years ago attending the 10-month cook training program at Okanagan College. That quickly landed him a coveted three-year apprenticeship at the Four Season’s Hotel in Vancouver. From there he prepared succulent meals for four years at Chateau Whistler Resort, later returning to the Okanagan where, as executive chef, he was instrumental in establishing the Harvest Golf Course Dining Room as one of the most highly regarded restaurants in the region.

“I worked with local farmers while I was at the Harvest and it makes a real difference to the end product,” said Armstrong.

Armstrong added teaching to his repertoire a few years ago as head of the dual-credit culinary arts program at Mount Boucherie Secondary School. He says he’s looking forward to working closely with College students on more complex dishes, along with the skills of plating, and creating luscious desserts including one of his favourites – a lemon panicotti topped with a meringue.

Stepping into the Mount Boucherie program to teach the next generation of Okanagan-trained chefs will be veteran chef Bill Adams, who was instrumental in developing the program when it launched in 2008.

“Bill was the involved in the program from the beginning,” said John Haller, Dean of Trades and Apprenticeship. “He helped with setting up the kitchen and getting the program underway. He has an extensive background in the Okanagan and so this will be an opportunity for him to showcase his chef skills at a different level.”

Infusions Restaurant is open Tuesday to Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. for lunch, then re-opens at 3 p.m. for midday service, followed by dinner starting at 5 p.m. The licensed restaurant offers a selection of Okanagan wines, and can be booked in advance for groups of five-to-200. Contact Susan Kane for reservations and more details at (250) 762-5445, ext. 4426