Hello, my name is Pheap, which is pronouced 'Pia'.
I am so excited to introduce you to Palates Culinary Kitchen and Learning Center. Ever since I was young I have been fascinated with the art of cooking. Some of my fondest memories are cooking with my mom in our family’s kitchen, where I learned all about the flavours of Cambodian food. I guess this is really where my road to developing culinary skills began.
When I went shopping as a child, I always loved to walk down the cultural seasoning aisles and imagine how all of the amazing and diverse aromas could work together to create delectable tasting food. Later in my life, I still find myself drawn to the spice aisles whenever I am at the supermarket. However, now I am excited to show my children the magic of spices that left such an impact on me.
My love for travel and expanding my world view led me to visit so many different countries. During my travels, I always made a point to sample the flavours and aromas of various cultural dishes. It’s exciting to try something new and wonder how it was made. I would store these flavours away in my memory, bringing them back with me from the countries I visited; challenging myself to replicate the tastes that captured my imagination.
Over the years, I’ve had a lot of opportunities to experience very different facets of the culinary industry. I began developing my palate while working as a cook in a local bistro as a teenager. I remember how exciting it was to watch the head chef effortlessly combine ingredients and spices to create absolutely amazing dishes. I was awestruck.
Trying to scrape by financially while I was in school, I started a very modest catering business. I was so excited to show people the foods that I had taught myself to make. Sales were exceptional. Sadly though, something was missing ... TEACHING! Turns out teaching is not just the path I followed for my education, but is also an important part of my personality.
My teaching career has been quite unconventional. I decided that I would follow my passion for art, prompting me to open an art studio. It was amazing! I loved helping to build and promote the imagination and creativity in my customers. But again, something was missing for me. Something that fundamentally influenced me to open a business in the first place was my passion for flexibility, personal creativity, and evolution. I again followed my passion and closed the art studio, setting my sights on something new.
I’ve always been passionate about cooking. Cooking is an art. It is a means of expression. It is raw creativity. So, in taking all my passions and blending them together, Palates Culinary Kitchen was born. I cannot wait to show you all of the amazing and fun plans I have for Palates and look forward to meeting and working with you, and your children, in the future.
Thank you for taking the time to get to know me!
~Pheap
