What is Culinary Literacy?
Culinary Literacy means learning through cooking. It’s about building the skills to feed yourself and others, making healthy and affordable meals, and exploring food traditions from around the world. We believe food brings people together - and our programs create space for learning, sharing, and social connection.
VSES Teaching Kitchen
Most of our culinary literacy programming is held in the 1,450 square-feet gourmet teaching kitchen in the Vaughan Studios & Event Space, located on the third floor above the VMC Library. The kitchen features commercial-quality appliances with gas stove and ovens, ice machine, hot water station, and sinks. The space also includes a workshop-style layout with space for up to 26 people.
The Teaching Kitchen is also available to rent by the hour for independent cooking activities. Click below for more information or to fill out the online booking form.
Programming
We offer a variety of programs for all skill levels and age groups spanning a wide range of topics: introductory cooking & baking; social lunchtime sessions; learning how to plant & grow your own food; exploring dishes from a diverse range of cultures; and much more!
Kitchen Traditions Cookbook
Try the dishes featured in our popular Kitchen Traditions program, full of diverse flavours from around the world.
Download PDF (8.98MB)
Cooking Connections
Build a stronger team with our hands-on workshops in the gourmet teaching kitchen. Bring up to 20 people and choose from options like making sushi, pleating dumplings, and baking a host of cookies. The sessions are 2 hours long and are suitable for companies, associations, and departments.
For booking and workshop information, contact our customer support team and ask us about Cooking Connections.
Culinary Literacy Resources
The library is here to help you on your learning journey. Find inspiration in books, DVDs, and equipment.
Staff Recommendations
Check out these hand-picked titles. Come back for seconds - we post new culinary-themed lists periodically!
New York Times Cooking
New York Times Cooking is a helpful and easy-to-use website that offers a wide variety of recipes and cooking tips. It’s designed to inspire and support home cooks of all skill levels, helping them find, save, and organize great recipes while improving their cooking skills.
Youth Perspectives on Food Systems
Food For Thought is a creative magazine by York Region’s Youth Food Committee, showcasing original work—essays, poems, art, recipes, and more—by youth under 30 with ties to York Region. Dive into their reflections on today’s food systems.
Why is Culinary Literacy Important?
Cooking improves reading, science, math, and technology skills. It's an essential life skill, especially with rising food costs. Understanding healthy eating and nutrition is crucial as the food industry evolves. Cooking together is an enriching experience because it helps people learn from each other, celebrate different cultures, improves social health, and build community relationships.
Parking at VMC Library
Paid parking is available throughout the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre. For full details, please visit: Parking in the VMC.