Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts (PICAchef) is hosting a one-night Rome-inspired Pop-Up Dinner at their Blue Hat Bistro-Café on Thursday, September 4. The event brings together chef-instructors Ben Kiely and Patrice Cordier with students from PICA’s Culinary and Baking & Pastry programs to present a five-course menu rooted in the rustic yet refined traditions of Roman cuisine.
The dinner emphasizes seasonal ingredients and classic techniques with dishes that reflect the balance and simplicity of Roman fare. The menu begins with a canapé prepared by students, followed by courses such as Artichoke with mullet roe, preserved lemon, and garum, Fritto Misto di Mare with calamari, prawns, and garden herbs, and a hand-crafted Raviolo filled with organic egg yolk, Pecorino Romano, and guanciale. The savoury sequence continues with Lamb Sirloin served with cannellini, cavolo nero, and mint, before finishing with a classic Tiramisu layered with mascarpone, marsala, and cacao, along with petite sweets to close the evening.
The Rome-Inspired Pop-Up Dinner runs from 6 to 9 p.m. on September 4 at Blue Hat Bistro-Café. Tickets are priced at $129 per person plus tax and gratuity, available through PICAchef. Seating requests can be made at the time of purchase, and menu substitutions are not available due to the event format.