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Last week The City of Bristol College opened their doors and welcomed Business Development Chef Robin Dudley and Development Manager, Gary Kilminster for an inspiration filled #ECKitchenTakeover.

During an Essential Cuisine #ECKitchenTakeover, our team of passionate chefs work alongside students in their training environment to create mouth-watering dishes, with the aim to teach the budding young chefs’ invaluable skills whilst working with guest chefs. 

Business Development Manager, Gary Kilminster, said: "Going into service we explained to all the students what we were looking for attention to deal, that they understand what is being asked of them and that every plate looks and tastes the same going out over the pass. I thought that the students delivered on every aspect and produced some great food. The front of house students were brilliant, the teamwork and professionalism they showed was excellent. The students should be very proud of what they achieved, they are a real credit to the college and their lecturers.”

We caught up with Ryan Fernandes, Chef Lecturer, to find about the experience...

Essential Cuisine: How impactful was the Essential Cuisine #ECKitchenTakeover for your student?

Ryan: With the ever changing trends and needs in the catering industry, it is very important that we engage with manufacturers, suppliers, and employers of the industry. It is one of the best ways for the students to learn and update their skills whilst gaining exposure to the industry which is exactly what the #ECKitchenTakeover did!

Essential Cuisine: What does 2022 look like for you and your students?

Ryan: The students are hoping to conquer their fears and focus more on their career goals this year! As life gets back to normal, their outlook towards the way lives have changed from the pandemic has been daunting, so learning new ways and upscaling their qualification level is the flavour for this year!

Essential Cuisine: Would you recommend our #ECKitchenTakeover or interactive demo to your fellow food lecturers / teachers?

Ryan: Definitely! It is one of the best ways to see and learn from the professionals that make products in the industry. 

Essential Cuisine: Do you have any advice for future chefs and people wanting to enter the industry?

Ryan: This is an industry for people who like people with the addition of amazing opportunities – you can travel the world and experience cultures. Future chefs need to cook from their heart and keep learning the evolving food revolution with passion and love for the outcome.

Essential Cuisine: Lastly, what stood out the most during the #ECKitchenTakeover?

Ryan: The great knowledge of the chefs, Gary and Robin and the way they demonstrated how to get the best use of Essential Cuisine range – enhancing and complimenting ingredients on the plate, whatever the sector it may be.

To discover how Essential Cuisine can support your college and students, click here or email advice@essentialcuisine.com