Social Kitchen will offer cuisine-centered social experiences in a downtown Vancouver space formerly occupied by Bessolo Pizzeria on Main Street.

“We’re not a traditional restaurant in that we’re a culinary experience venue,” said Gene Fritz, 54, who owns Social Kitchen with his wife, Gretchen, 58.

The establishment will debut by opening to the public from 3-5 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday to offer a small taste of what’s to come, Fritz said.

Instead of restaurant dining, Social Kitchen will provide a 2½-hour guided culinary experience for $145 per person, starting with sparkling wine and amuse-bouches to “take off the hangry,” Fritz said.

Guests — gathered around a 34-foot-long island with three Thermador Freedom Induction cooktops — can participate and get their hands dirty or j

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