CULINARY ACADEMY READY TO STORM HOSPITALITY !

Scores of intrepid chefs from the Craft Guild of Chefs’ Culinary Academy are sharpening up to take on the industry’s brightest sparks at Hospitality 2009.

The competition-focused Academy, launched at Hotelympia a year ago and sponsored by Essential Cuisine, has 24 entries in the world-famous exhibition’s feast of live cook offs at the NEC from 19-21 January.

In addition to individual classes, these include an entry into the fast-paced Grand Prix, a challenge taken up by Lisa Mansel from Langhams Hotel, Sophie Wright, a freelance chef, and Lahiru Jayasekara from Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, all part of the Academy’s Culinary Olympics Team 2008.

The team returned from October’s 22nd IKA Culinary Olympics in Erfurt, Germany, featuring the world’s best chefs and pastry experts, with one gold, eight silver and five bronze medals.

Team leader Andy Twells, who will also be holding a masterclass2 on live cookery success at The Skillery on January 21, said many of the chefs taking part in Hospitality had never competed before but were inspired by the fledgling Academy’s track record at a host of different battlegrounds during its first year.

“We swept our database of 80 members to see who was interested in competing and making the most of the mentorship the Academy offers and the response was extremely gratifying.

“Our first year has been a year of learning curves. For instance, we’ve had to make the Academy section of the Craft Guild website much more accessible to effectively show what we offer, but our members are now recognising the true value of the challenges out there.”

Essential Cuisine’s managing director Nigel Crane said: “Hospitality is the biggest event of the year for the industry and a fantastic platform for newcomers and skilled chefs to show what they can do. Ultimately, it develops and nurtures new competitive talent and helps curb the burgeoning skills shortage in this country, a mission close to our hearts at Essential Cuisine3.”

The Culinary Academy aims to give younger chefs the key to the world of culinary competitions through encouragement, advice and an experienced chef mentoring approach.


14/01/2009|