Kudos from Students
“Heidi's teaching was wonderful beyond imagination. Her calmness,
competence, humor and charm made the experience rewarding in
itself. I
learned how to chop fresh vegetables correctly and efficiently, and how to quickly
and easily do many of the small things I had formerly struggled with. She
effortlessly taught both technique and a positive attitude. Sharing the
meal and making new friends added even more to the already great experience.
Since I live in the States, I have to take a ferry and stay in a hotel for a
night in order to take Heidi's classes, but it is well worth the extra time,
money and effort. I recommend ALL of her classes -- enroll and enjoy!!”
~ Dr. J. Huesemann, Sequim, WA, USA
“I finally took Heidi’s Indian Vegetarian course after being
on her email list for over a year. Now I am a devoted follower! Between
the many useful tips she gives, the easy-to-follow recipes, and the delicious
meals, this is great value for money. I am feeling much more inspired about
cooking and enjoying it that much more. Despite having countless cookbooks,
her recipes have become an integral part of my collection.”
~ June Wing, Victoria
“Heidi’s classes are awesome! Heidi provides in-depth knowledge
of ingredients, the best local sources, and the how and why of a wide range
of cooking techniques. From the right way to cut a lime, to the best place in
town to buy fresh herbs or exotic spices, Heidi generously shares her professional
secrets. Her small, personalized class size allows for student interaction,
questions, and a close-up view of the action at the stove! As if this weren’t
enough, we get to eat all the amazing food she cooks in class – don’t
eat dinner first! Fantastic value, and no wonder her classes fill up within
an hour or two of registration opening. I am a “fan for life” (12
classes and many more to come!)”
~ Liz Mackay, Victoria, BC
“I enjoyed Heidi’s friendly and informative dialogue with
the students and felt welcome immediately. I especially benefited from her
willingly-shared tricks of the trade, including ingredient substitutions
and chopping techniques. But the meal was the highlight of the entire evening
-it was absolutely sublime! My taste buds experienced true bliss that night
thanks to her gastronomic prowess! It is with great enthusiasm that I recommend
Chef Heidi’s cooking classes.
They broaden culinary horizons and delight the palate!”
~ S. Rubin, Victoria, BC
“Having attended other cooking classes previously, I found that Heidi's
classes suit me best. Her style is very friendly, relaxed, and encouraging, with
a step-by-step, easy-to-understand approach that takes the mystery out of ethnic
and/or vegetarian cooking. All phases are clearly demonstrated, allowing
students to observe the appearance and smell of the food as preparations proceed. Best
of all--at the end of the class a great meal is shared!”
~ Gerry R., Victoria, BC
“Heidi is wonderful! In her classes, Heidi provides key tips
and details to help you make the kind of dish that everyone just raves about.
Her classes have changed my basic approach to a lot of my cooking as well as
taught me how to produce some exciting and delicious new dishes. Heidi’s
course material is always backed by her excellent knowledge, her interest in
nutrition and in the science of baking and cooking, and her comprehensive experience
in the field. As
well, she values local community produce, sustainable agriculture,
and is caring and respectful of other culinary cultural traditions. Every
time I leave Heidi's kitchen it is with a sense that I've shared a special evening
with an inspired and inspiring chef. “Bon Appetit!” to all
who carry on this tradition with Heidi. I, for one, will be back!”
~ Bonnie S., Victoria, BC
“Cooking with Heidi = Wow! Before I started taking Heidi’s
classes, I never knew how to pick out a fresh coconut, or which
brand of chicken stock to buy, and I had no idea which ethnic ingredients were
ok to buy frozen or dried.
And I could take a bath in the balsamic vinegar that Heidi has
told us about! Heidi seems to be able to teach eight different
things at once and yet still answer your questions and offer
tastes and smells of exotica. She will even stop to share a tip on how to get
young kids to eat kale!
In her classes, you really get caught up in her never-ending
love of cooking. I know that you can take all kinds of fancy cooking
classes through special gourmet cooking shops in other parts of the world, but
why bother when Heidi provides so much just in your own back yard? I’m
hooked!”
~ Doreen Sutherland (high school art and home-ec teacher)
“I keep the handouts from Heidi’s classes in my recipe stand
and refer to them often. In her classes, I really appreciated the excellent organization,
the jokes, the tasting and the tidbits of information about local shops and
cooking techniques. I always check the new list to see which courses might work
for me. I thoroughly recommend these classes.”
~ Leona B. of Victoria
“I took the sushi making class from Heidi and not only enjoyed the
food we prepared but learned much about the preparation of it. Heidi was very clear
in her instructions and passed around the different ingredients used for the
items we prepared in that class. She limited the size of the class which made
the learning process easier.”
~ René Landry, FMA, Victoria, BC
“After my wife took Heidi’s Indian cooking class and 'experimented'
on me, we were both hooked. We registered for the Thai class and now spend many
nights cooking these great dishes for our friends and family. We will be pupils
again soon. Thanks Heidi, for helping us to push our cooking boundaries!”
~ Rob and Jeanette Delaney, Victoria, BC
Chef Heidi Fink in the Media
Thrifty's Chef Spotlight, August 2010
Chef Spotlight: Heidi Fink
Chef Heidi Fink is a strong voice for local food and
sustainable agriculture...
by Eva Cherneff
EAT Magazine, May/June 2010
Master Cooking Class: An ambitious class delivers a wealth of tips and techniques,
as well as a feast.
by Rebecca Baugniet
Times Colonist, December 2010
Christmas with a Chef: Four Victoria culinary pros reveal their holiday faves.
by Eric Akis
Times Colonist, April 2009
H is for Heidi: Victoria Chef Heidi Fink is a popular cooking instructor.
by Eric Akis
“Delicious food, great company, friendly atmosphere, and hundreds
of fantastic recipes and tips! Chef Heidi's classes are an absolute joy to attend.”
~ Kelly Zaharko, Victoria, BC
“I would highly recommend Heidi’s classes to anyone interested in healthy
approaches to everyday cooking.”
~ Cindy MacDonald, Victoria, BC
“Heidi has gotten me interested in cooking again. Her classes
are fun, informative, and they all end with a gourmet meal. Do something great – take
one of Heidi's classes!
~ Sandy Ibrahim, Victoria, BC
“I enjoyed Heidi's Thai cooking class very much! I was inspired to buy new
ingredients, and explore the world of Thai food. The best part of the class
was the eating! Be sure not to eat before you go to class.”
~ Lori Schick
“The best thing about living in Victoria isn't the ocean or the majestic mountains views but the ability to attend Heidi Fink's Cooking Classes! ~ Sarah S., Victoria, BC
“Heidi's culinary knowledge, creativity and energy make her a wonder
to watch in the kitchen. It's a sensory delight to partake of her creations. After
taking only one class, I'm committed to taking all her classes over the next
couple years.”
~ Carolyn Zyha, Victoria, BC
“Heidi's cooking classes are worth the price for the meal alone. Her
wonderful instruction and recipes are like a free bonus. A wonderful way
to spend an evening - just like having friends over for dinner.”
~ Arlene Chestnut, Victoria, BC
“I loved Heidi's classes! Three years later, I still use
her recipes when I want to wow my friends and family with an ethnic feast. The
tips she gives in her classes are very practical, and her classes are really
fun and enjoyable. Oh, yeah - you also get to enjoy an awesome meal afterwards!”
~ Dawn Boudreau, Cold Lake, AB (formerly of Victoria, BC).
“Heidi is a fantastic teacher. Her warm personality made her students at Tsartlip First Nation feel comfortable right away. Her in-depth knowledge of cooking and her ability to assess each individual’s skill level allows her to teach a multi-level cooking class with many menu options. Heidi can explain any recipe in understandable and manageable steps. The group came away with the skills they had been eager to learn. Best of all, Heidi’s food tastes fantastic! Everyone was impressed and wanted her back.” ~ Jen McMullen, Coordinator, HomeGrown Project, LifeCycles Project Society, Tsartlip First Nation
Chinatown Culinary Tour Testimonials
“Heidi's Chinatown Tour is personal, informative and inspiring. I felt like
I had been on a micro-holiday. Afterwards, I went straight back to the shops
to gather some supplies to feed my refreshed enthusiasm for Asian cooking.”
~ Samantha Allix, Victoria, BC
“If you love Asian cooking, you won’t want to miss Heidi’s
Culinary Tours of Chinatown! From the unfamiliar produce to the remarkable array of packaged
seafood, rice, sauce, and noodles, Heidi answers all your culinary questions
and shares cooking tips along the way. Heidi’s extensive knowledge of Asian
food makes her Culinary Tours a must for any food enthusiast.”
~ Chef Denise Marchessault, Owner of French Mint, Victoria,
BC
“Heidi's Chinatown Tour was very informative. She answered all of the
questions I had and even questions I didn't know I had!”
~ Bev M, Victoria, BC
“Heidi did an amazing job of making sense of shopping in Chinatown. Now
I am comfortable and confident shopping in the various stores and I know where
to find ingredients unique to Thai cooking. This tour is a must for anyone looking
to cook authentic Thai food at home.”
~ Carolyn Henson, Victoria, BC
“I was unaware of the fabulous food options available in Victoria's
Chinatown until I participated in one of Chef Heidi Fink's culinary tours. She labeled
unfamiliar vegetables and mystery packages, sharing hot tips about food
prep along the way. Sampling opportunities took the guess work out of a
few prepared food items, and the wealth of information shared verbally
was supplemented by her fact-packed handout. This tour would be on my "highly
recommended" list
for anyone who is looking for unique ingredients at great prices! It is
a wonderful addition to her outstanding ethnic food cooking classes.”
~ Myrna M. Fisher, Sidney, BC
“Heidi’s tour was the first time I have spent any time in the
Chinatown shops and I definitely felt like I was exploring, but
with having a hands-on expert right there! She
was extremely knowledgeable on the subject of Asian food. There was not
one question that she could not answer, often going into some
depth in order to provide more than just a simple answer. The knowledge
she so readily imparts makes her teaching very enjoyable. She doesn’t
guard chef 'secrets'; she seems happy to share all that she knows
and can impart.”
~ Collette C., Victoria, BC



