Culinary Expedition is a local business based out of Grand Rapids that offers cooking classes, private chef services, and hosts private cooking events. The head chef of Culinary Expedition, Elizabeth Suvedi, travels abroad at least once a year to be able to craft cooking classes that bring the flavors and experiences of different countries to you.
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Q: What is the mission of Culinary Expedition?
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A: The goal of Culinary Expedition is to teach people how to cook healthy, flavorful dishes. I want to encourage people to experiment with different ingredients and flavors in order to expand their culinary repertoire. I strive to focus on cooking plant based dishes that use wholesome ingredients. I want to show people how easy, fun, and tasty healthy cooking can be.
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Q: Do you collaborate with anyone in town?
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A: Yes! I am currently partnering with the Gilmore Collection on a vegan Mardi Gras dinner experience that will be held at B.O.B.’s Brewery. For this collaboration I will be the guest chef for the evening and I have created dishes that will bring authentic tastes of Mardi Gras to attendees. I also partner with local doctor, Kristi Artz. Together we teach cooking classes focused on educating people about the health benefits of eating more nutrient dense foods. Dr. Artz is a great wealth of knowledge. In the past I have also collaborated with the Downtown Market on a cooking series called “You Are What You Eat.” This series focused on cooking meals for specific body systems focusing specifically on brain health, digestive health, bone health, and joint health.
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Q: What role does local food play in your business?
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A: I try to buy my ingredients locally whenever possible. I appreciate supporting local businesses because I want to see more locally owned businesses thrive in Grand Rapids. I also strive to buy locally because I recognize that when you buy your food close to where it was grown, it is higher in nutritional content. Supporting local businesses allows us to keep jobs in our community and supports the local economy.
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Q: Where do you like to buy your ingredients?
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A: I like to buy my ingredients at the Fulton Street Farmers Market, the Downtown Market, Harvest Health Foods, Spice of India, Asian Delight, and India Market. In the summertime, I love going to the farmers market to pick up ingredients that I have never worked with before and experiment with them to create new dishes.
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Q: What is on the horizon for Culinary Expedition?
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A: In the spring I will be taking a trip to Vietnam, Cambodia, and Japan. While there I will be taking classes, shopping in markets, taking pictures, enjoying food, and getting the complete culinary experience. I will then bring those learnings from these three countries to Grand Rapids.
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Q: What is your vision for Culinary Expedition?
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A: I want people to feel empowered to get creative and try new cuisines. I want to bring people together around food and emphasize the joys of cooking together.
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For more information or to receive details on upcoming Culinary Expedition events, contact Chef Elizabeth Suvedi, visit the website, or follow their Facebook!
