About our Founder: Pheap My-Patrick
I have always believed teaching goes beyond the classroom. Educated as a teacher, my true passion has been connecting with people in creative and meaningful ways.
This vision first came to life through 4 Cats Art Studio in Edmonton, where I worked to inspire students of all ages through art.
My journey then expanded into the culinary world with Palates Culinary Kitchen, where I shared my love for global cuisine with both children and adults.
Even with the stiff competition of Edmonton’s culinary scene, Palates was able to cement itself as one of the top cooking programs.
After 9 years of running these successful businesses, my family and I decided we wanted something different; more meaningful.
We uprooted our lives and moved to Buck Lake, where my husband, Brendon, and I took over the Buck Lake Mercantile, later establishing the Buck Lake Café.
We also decided this move would be a way to connect more as a family, choosing to homeschool our three kids. What an amazing and rewarding path this has been!
Change has been a constant in my life. With that in mind, I am exceptionally excited to introduce a new path of enriching experiences in the Buck Lake area with the creation of Palates by the Lake.
This reimagining of Palates not only will see a return of some of the most popular cooking classes offered at Palates but also will introduce new class themes my team and I have created.
Not only focusing on cooking, Palates by the lake will also offer a host of other services, including: clay and art experiences, mobile cooking classes, catering options, and a host of new frozen food options and meal planning for our busy customers.
Through each new venture, I remain steadfastly dedicated to my lifelong passions: teaching, creating, and bringing people together.
I look forward to connecting with you all as we continue to build our lives in Buck Lake, together.
Pheap
C.Y.C.W, B.A , BEd
Meet Brendon Patrick: Assistant Cooking Class Instructor
Welcome to Palates by the Lake! My name is Brendon Patrick, and I am thrilled to be part of this vibrant culinary community. Since the inception of Palates by the Lake, I have worked alongside our talented team as an assistant cooking class instructor, helping to shape an inviting, immersive, and fun environment for all our guests.
Bringing Laughter, Learning, and Wellness to the Kitchen
Cooking is more than just preparing food-it’s about connection, creativity, and joy. I love infusing our classes with laughter and excitement, making every session memorable while guiding students in building essential cooking skills. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned home chef, my goal is to help you feel empowered, supported, and confident as you explore new flavours and techniques.
Expertise in Health and Well-being
My professional background spans over 20 years as a mental health therapist, addictions counsellor, and registered nurse. This diverse experience has given me a strong foundation in supporting individuals with a wide range of needs and a deep understanding of how lifestyle choices-including food-can influence overall well-being. In every class, I offer practical information about healthier eating options and share informal mental health insights, helping you make choices that nourish both body and mind.
I am deeply committed to creating a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. Collaboration is at the heart of what we do at Palates by the Lake. I believe the best outcomes happen when we work together—students, families, and staff—to support each person’s growth, both inside and outside the kitchen.
I am genuinely excited to continue working with Palates by the Lake, bringing my skills, experience, and enthusiasm to every class. Together, we’ll navigate challenges, build resilience, and discover strengths—one delicious dish at a time.
Brendon
R.N, Mental Health Therapist and Addictions Counselor
