Is TripAdvisor Every Chef’s Dream or Nightmare?
It holds out so much promise on one hand – genuine feedback from real customers – but can also deliver devastation with the other: cruel, deliberate, reviews aimed at hurting a business or a chef.
The Chefs’ Forum takes a look at a recent example of a spiteful review and asks the important question: what do you do when this happens to you?
The example in question is a review of Sticky Walnut in Chester run by formidable chef Gary Usher. He is rarely tempted to get personally involved with a review, as he says, but in this case found himself unable to resist.
Reviewer emalinaker wrote, following a visit to Sticky Walnut, recently:
“If you want to pay 45 POUNDS each for an average piece of sirloin steak and some Parmesan chips then this is the place to go! A really misleading menu along with EYE WATERINGLY expensive steak which is NOT worth it. When we mentioned to the waitress we thought the menu was misleading instead of apologising and trying to fix our dishes she got extremely agitated, defensive and frankly rude. Sticky Walnut was somewhere I used to look foreword to but I would council (sic) EVERYONE heading to Chester for a decent meal to avoid this place like the plague unless they like being ripped off.”
On Tripadvisor Usher replied personally barely able to restrain his fury:
Good morning Emma
I only personally respond on here every few years so well done getting me out of Twit-advisor hibernation.
The essence of your “review” should be quite simple. You think we’re a rip off which is probably the most common complaint across the whole of the Twit-advisor website. So nothing new there. So why am I responding? Simply because you wouldn’t allow Becky the MANAGER to explain at the time. In fact it was YOU who got extremely agitated, defensive and quite frankly rude.
The menu is set at a fixed price of £39 for 3 courses. With all set menus there are supplements. On ours it’s our dry aged Aubrey Allen sirloin. In Sticky Walnut it will cost an extra £15 per person to have the sirloin instead of, for example, the feather blade of beef. Your last Twit-advisor review was for The Dorchester “to celebrate Mummy’s birthday”. Their menu is £53 for 3 courses, also with a supplement for the sharing beef of £22 per person. Ironically we use the same butcher. Why Emma did you not complain about your bill there not take a photo of your receipt? Going by your review I’ve calculated that you spent over £500 for four guests which included a bottle of Chapel Down Rose Brut at £87. It’s available at Waitrose for £26. However you gave them a glowing 5 star review.
Whilst your online presence is a display of your love of luxury we are a humble neighbourhood bistro, serving the best produce we can source, served by fantastic teams, whilst trying to survive a global pandemic. You are a self-professed expert in comms and brand awareness and still manage to be so short sighted not to see how devastating your words can be. “Avoid this place like the plague” really Emma? My COUNSEL to you in this recession we find ourselves in is to think before you write.
Be kind. It won’t cost you as much as a first class flight to Dubai.
Gazza.
Brand ambassador & comms
What’s interesting about Gary’s response is how restrained he actually is. This comes from years of dealing with the same problem. His twitter feed is filled with run-ins he has had in the past.
The review was unjust in that the writer did not isolate a problem in a rational and considerate way but used offensive and ill-considered language designed to hurt those that she was writing about.
But this doesn’t answer the question. Was Gary Usher right to respond? Chefs may come across as bullish and opinionated in the media but anyone that knows them personally knows that underneath the bluster they are generous, considerate and kind.
Gary Usher is trying to run a business. He explains what happened in a humble way. He doesn’t reposed “like with like”. He urges kindness. The story was picked up by The Daily Mail. Now, a huge amount of the restaurant-going public can see how polite he was and also see how cruel the review was. This is what you must weigh up when responding to a bad review. Don’t fall into the trap of being rude back.
We think Gary Usher made the right choice.
West London College Implements Virtual Chefs’ Forum Academy Sessions for the New Academic Year!
Now in its second year, The Chefs’ Forum Academy at West London College is going from strength to strength. Current restrictions on chefs coming into the college mean that The Chefs’ Forum film crew are visiting chefs in their kitchens to film their recipes, so students still get the curriculum sessions that make West London College the number one choice in the Capital for budding young chefs and hospitality professionals.
Due to Covid-19 limitations, the chefs are unable to come into the college and teach the students in person as they normally would as part of The Chefs’ Forum Academy project. Instead, the chefs have created a fascinating film of their recipe to be shown to the students in a Zoom call with a recipe card to accompany.
The chefs join the session via a live video link to host a question and answers session with the students where they will be able to quiz the chef on their career, the recipe that has been shown to them and general insight into the industry. The chefs also give live feedback on the students’ individual versions of the dishes they have created in the film.
This new way of learning sets out to maintain employer engagement and curriculum enrichment while restrictions remain in place. Once these are lifted, the students can look forward to different chefs and industry experts coming into the college on a weekly basis to teach them in their usual learning environment.
The weekly Chefs’ Forum Academy masterclasses involve various local chefs and front of house professionals from across London, coming into the college to give a compelling and inspirational course of study throughout the academic year, culminating in work experience opportunities at the participating properties and businesses once students are permitted to participate in such activities again.
The teaching team at the college are delighted to welcome the guest chefs into the college to enrich students’ learning.
Denise Charles, Head of Curriculum – Service Industries at West London College said
“I coordinate The Chefs’ Forum Academy sessions at the college and it’s great that we’ve been able to adapt the way we deliver masterclasses to adhere to current Covid-19 restrictions. We have had to find new ways to deliver our curriculum enrichment sessions to ensure our students are benefitting from the best learning experience possible, despite the limitations of social distancing which are beyond our control. We have been so impressed with the way in which our teaching chefs have all rallied together to make this work for our students and The Chefs’ Forum Academy. It just goes to show that they really prioritise inspiring the next generation and the future of our industry.”
The Chefs’ Forum Academy benefits the college, the students, and local employers. It is these relationships that will flourish to galvanise and support the future stars of our hospitality industry – A truly positive step in the right direction in such uncertain times.
Dipna Anand, Chef Proprietor at Brilliant Restaurant in Southall was first to deliver a masterclass earlier this week. Dipna is no stranger to online masterclasses and runs a very popular YouTube channel.
Dipna has been a regular guest lecturer at the college since the launch of The Chefs’ Forum Academy at West London College in 2018. Dipna really enjoys working with young people to showcase Indian cuisine and her love of the industry.
Brilliant Restaurant was voted Britain’s Best Family Run Restaurant in ITV’s first Food & Drinks Awards, so it is great for the students to meet such an esteemed chef. Dipna is a great role model for girls looking to join the industry that has been traditionally more male dominated. Dipna is about to appear on BB2’S Mary Berry’s Simple Comforts at 8pm on 30th September in the run-up to celebrating Diwali and she will also be making a string of other TV appearances in the coming weeks!
Dipna said
“These Academy sessions give me the opportunity to engage with the next generation and identify new talent for my kitchen. I love to see the students enjoying cooking my recipes and its great to be able to give back to the industry in this way. I look forward to welcoming Denise and her students over to my restaurant for a show-round once restrictions are lifted.”
Next on the agenda is a masterclass from Darren Taylor, Executive Chef at a Premier League Football club in London. Not only will this showcase a different take on a career as a chef in the industry within a leading football club, but the variety of roles and settings in which to work once students qualify.
All chefs taking part wholeheartedly support The Chefs’ Forum Academy and are looking forward to working with students at West London College as part of The Chefs’ Forum Academy scheme of learning. Other chefs already signed-up to the scheme, creating compelling and inspirational masterclass films and recipe cards to accompany include Tom Booton (The Dorchester), Dominic Teague (One Aldwych), Chanaka Fernado (Buddha Bar), Gurpreet Dham (The Royal Lancaster), Charlie Taylor (The Westbury), Peter Fiori (Coutts), Daniel Pearse (The Savoy) and Michael Dutnall (RAF Club) – This list is set to grow considerably as more chefs are allocated teaching dates and confirm their availability.
In normal times, the chefs would come to the college each week and take a three-hour master class to enrich the learning of the students in line with the subjects they are required to learn to achieve their qualification. West London College is the only college in London to be working with The Chefs’ Forum Academy and this makes it an attractive choice for any young person wanting to learn from the very best chefs in the industry.
At the same time as learning new skills, cooking techniques and recipes, the students are forging relationships with the visiting chefs which will help them in their efforts to find work on leaving college as the chefs will already be familiar to them. Many learners get offered part time work whilst still in college – This served to make them more work-ready and enables them to get work experience whilst studying – A win-win situation for all involved.
The Chefs’ Forum Academy also operates in The Manchester College, Bath College, Pembrokeshire College and Coleg Gwent with further colleges set to adopt this fantastic programme of curriculum enrichment later this year. The Chefs’ Forum serves to bridge the gap between education and industry, inspiring young chefs, and front-of-house professionals.
The Chefs’ Forum would like to invite Executive, Head and Pastry Chefs who would like to know more about the project to get in touch. Any London hospitality employers interested in supporting the college and offering their expertise in teaching as part of The Chefs’ Forum Academy should email: rebecca@redcherry.uk.com
The Chefs’ Forum Academy Returns to The Manchester College
Students at The Manchester College Industry Excellence Academy for Hospitality & Catering enjoyed their first Chefs’ Forum Academy session of the year.
Level 2 Culinary Skills students took part in a masterclass with Duncan Dickinson, Head Chef and Managing Director at Herb and Spice Catering.
Duncan challenged the students to make a dish of roasted duck breast with blackberry and plum compote, served with creamed potatoes and spinach. After watching Duncan’s live demonstration, the students produced impressive results under his watchful eye.
“It was a nice little challenge and they’ve done really well,” Duncan said. “I enjoyed it and I was very impressed with them. All of their dishes looked really good and everybody added their own different spin on it.”
Duncan also took part in a Q+A with the students, who quizzed him on his career and how to have a successful and rewarding career in the industry.
Student Zac Penfold said: “I found today very interesting. I don’t cook with duck often, so it was eye-opening to try new things. I’ve really enjoyed the Chefs’ Forum Academy and learning from lots of different chefs. I’m looking forward to doing more of it.
“My course is helping me to work more efficiently in the kitchen and improve my knife skills. My tutor, Andrew, has also helped me with employability skills.”
“Next year I hope to progress to Level 3 at Openshaw and in the future, I hope to get a job at restaurant in Manchester city centre.”
The Manchester College’s partnership with The Chefs’ Forum provides Hospitality & Catering students with unrivalled access to the UK’s most inspirational culinary experts. To date, students have worked with more than 70 industry professionals as part of the weekly academy sessions.
Liz Peters, Assistant Principal for Services and Retail Industry, added: “The work that we do with the Chefs’ Forum is amazing. It gives our learners the opportunity to connect with industry and get real, live work experience with employers and benefit from sessions with very experienced professionals.
“They get to see state-of-the-art cooking and the learners will quickly pick up from that. And of course, if the learners do well, the chef may offer some work placements.”
Any local hospitality employers (within one hour radius of Manchester) interested in supporting the college and offering their expertise in teaching as part of The Chefs’ Forum Academy should email rebecca@redcherry.uk.com
Pembrokeshire College Celebrates the Launch of The Chefs’ Forum Academy!
Pembrokeshire College is delighted to announce the launch of The Chefs’ Forum Academy at the college. Top Chefs Douglas Balish and Matt Waldron have been appointed Patrons of the Academy and sessions got off to a flying start this week.
The weekly Chefs’ Forum Academy masterclasses involve various local chefs and front of house experts coming into the college to give a compelling and inspirational course of study throughout the academic year, culminating in work experience opportunities at the participating properties and businesses once restrictions are lifted.
The teaching team at the college are delighted to welcome the guest chefs into the college to enrich students’ learning.
Wendy Weber, Head of Health, Childcare and Commercial Enterprise said
“We are proud of our hospitality provision at Pembrokeshire College, which has gone from strength to strength over many years. Observing school-leavers join us at 16 years of age and leave us at 18 or 19 as proficient chefs is immensely satisfying. The introduction of the Chef’s Forum Academy this year enhances the learner experience even more and allows both staff and learners the chance to become more industry-ready than ever before and gain those extra skills that employers want. We look forward to a year of new techniques and practices – and amazing dishes being served in our restaurant.”
The Chefs’ Forum Academy benefits the college, the students and local employers. It is these relationships that will flourish to galvanise and support the future of the hospitality industry – A truly positive step in the right direction in such uncertain times.
Douglas Balish, Executive chef of The Grove, Narberth said
“It’s truly an honour to be asked to become a Patron of The Chefs’ Forum Academy at Pembrokeshire college. The lecturers at the college are creating something very special, so it’s great to be able to add my experiences to the curriculum. It’s rewarding to see the next generation in West Wales develop into competent and driven chefs. I already have one former student in my brigade who is progressing through the ranks and has become part of the core team, I hope to soon be adding another from this wholly worthwhile project.”
Matt Waldron, Head Chef of The Stackpole Inn echoed Douglas’, saying he was equally proud to have been asked to head-up The Chefs’ Forum Academy at Pembrokeshire College, he said
“I am very proud and delighted to have been asked to be Patron of the Chefs Forum Academy, at Pembrokeshire College. I have very much enjoyed teaching previously at Coleg Gwent (my old college) as part of the same initiative. I was humbled to welcome my old lecturers to The Stackpole for a day of CPD. The college have already demonstrated a successful delivery of the hospitality programme to its students with so many entering and winning catering competitions and so many going off to work and continue to work in the industry.
He continued,
“The team at The Stackpole Inn and I are looking forward to helping educate and enhancing the students learning. Teaching them new techniques and cooking methods, giving them the possibility to experience cooking in our kitchen at the Inn to give them a real insight to the industry and creating the next generation of chefs here in Pembrokeshire”.
All chefs taking part wholeheartedly support The Chefs’ Forum Academy and are looking forward to working with students at Pembrokeshire College as part of The Chefs’ Forum Academy scheme of learning. Other chefs already signed-up to the scheme include Deri Reed (The Warren), Matt Flowers (Salt Cellar) and Alister Forrester (Cofio Lounge). The college would like to invite all Head and Executive Chef who would like to know more about the project to get in touch.
The chefs come to the college each week and take a three-hour master class to enrich the learning of the students in line with the subjects they are required to learn to achieve their qualification. Pembrokeshire College is the only college West Wales to be working with The Chefs’ Forum Academy and this makes it a really attractive choice for any young person wanting to learn from the very best chefs in the industry.
At the same time as learning new skills, cooking techniques and recipes, the students are forging relationships with the visiting chefs which will help them in their efforts to find work on leaving college as the chefs will already be familiar to them. Many learners get offered part time work whilst still in college – This served to make them more work-ready and enables them to get work experience whilst studying – A win-win situation for all involved.
The Chefs’ Forum Academy also operates in West London College, The Manchester College, Bath College and Coleg Gwent with further colleges set to adopt this fantastic programme of curriculum enrichment later this year. The Chefs’ Forum serves to bridge the gap between education and industry, inspiring young chefs and front-of-house professionals.
Any local hospitality employers (within one hour radius of Pembrokeshire College) interested in supporting the college and offering their expertise in teaching as part of The Chefs’ Forum Academy should email rebecca@redcherry.uk.com
Bath College Champions Virtual Culinary Masterclasses and a New Way of Learning!
Bath College is delighted to announce the launch of The Chefs’ Forum Academy at the college. Top Chefs Richard Davies (Calcot Hotel & Spa), Michael Nizzero (Chef Consultant) and Chris Cleghorn (The Olive Tree) have been appointed Patrons of the Academy, all with a Michelin star under their belt. Catering students at the college are truly learning from the best in the business.
Current restrictions mean that the chefs are unable to come into the college and teach the students in person as they normally would as part of The Chefs’ Forum Academy project, now fully launched at the Bath College. Instead, the chefs have made a film of their recipe that will be shown to the students with a recipe card to accompany. The chefs will then join the session via a live video link to host a question and answers session with the students where they will be able to quiz the chef on their career, the recipe that has been shown to them and general insight into the industry.
This new way of learning sets out to maintain employer engagement and curriculum enrichment while restrictions remain in place. Once these are lifted, the students can look forward to different chefs and industry experts coming into the college on a weekly basis to teach them in their usual learning environment.
The weekly Chefs’ Forum Academy masterclasses involve various local chefs and front of house professionals coming into the college to give a compelling and inspirational course of study throughout the academic year, culminating in work experience opportunities at the participating properties and businesses once students are permitted to participate in such activities again.
The teaching team at the college are delighted to welcome the guest chefs into the college to enrich students’ learning.
Sue Hudd, Curriculum Manager – Media, Production & Service Industries said
“We are delighted to welcome the guest chefs to enrich our students’ learning. At a time when restrictions could have affected college employer engagement and liaison initiatives such as guest lectures coming into the college. We have had to think outside of the box to ensure our students are benefitting from the best learning experience possible, despite the limitations of social distancing which are outside of our control. We have been so impressed with the level of support for The Chefs’ Forum Academy offered by local employers and we look forward to showcasing talented local chefs and their signature dishes via film and live video link for now, and in person once social distancing restrictions permit.”
The Chefs’ Forum Academy benefits the college, the students and local employers. It is these relationships that will flourish to galvanise and support the future of the hospitality industry – A truly positive step in the right direction in such uncertain times.
Richard Davies, Executive chef of Calcot Hotel & Spa said
“I have been working with The Chefs’ Forum for the last eight years and hosted the launch of the Bath & Cotswolds chapter in 2013. I have been very impressed with the way that the organisation has grown to become a national platform for chefs and colleges to bridge the gap between education and industry. The Chefs’ Forum Academy initiative offers the opportunity for accomplished professional chefs to give back to the industry and pass on our knowledge and expertise to the next generation. I am delighted to have been asked to become a Patron of The Chefs’ Forum Academy at Bath college.”
When asked about how much involvement he intended to have with Bath College and The Chefs’ Forum Academy, Richard said
“I fully intend to offer as much support to the college as possible, both in delivering inspirational masterclasses in person and via video link, as well as offering employment and work experience opportunities to the students going forward. I have always been very impressed with students from Bath College and its great to be able to progress my relationship with the college, heading-up such a positive initiative with The Chefs’ Forum Academy”.
Richard’s first masterclass at Bath College took place virtually on Thursday 24th September, where he showcased his signature stocks and sauces recipes. These recipes form the basis for so many dishes on the menu at Calcot, so are a very valuable asset for the students to acquire, learn and take into industry with them.
All chefs taking part wholeheartedly support The Chefs’ Forum Academy and are looking forward to working with students at Bath College as part of The Chefs’ Forum Academy scheme of learning. Other chefs already signed-up to the scheme, creating compelling and inspirational masterclass films and recipe cards to accompany include Rob Howell (Root, Bristol), Muraliraj Narashimaraj (Bandook, Bath), Tom Westerland and Dean Westcar (Crockers Henley), Carl Cleghorn (Thornbury Castle), Rupert Taylor (Bowood Hotel & Spa), Soyful Alom (The Mint Room, Bath), Jonny Pons and Ashleigh Farrand (The Kingham Plough) The college would like to invite Executive, Head and Pastry Chefs who would like to know more about the project to get in touch.
In normal times, the chefs would come to the college each week and take a three-hour masterclass to enrich the learning of the students in line with the subjects they are required to learn to achieve their qualification. Bath College is the only college in the South West to be working with The Chefs’ Forum Academy and this makes it an attractive choice for any young person wanting to learn from the very best chefs in the industry.
At the same time as learning new skills, cooking techniques and recipes, the students are forging relationships with the visiting chefs which will help them in their efforts to find work on leaving college as the chefs will already be familiar to them. Many learners get offered part time work whilst still in college – This served to make them more work-ready and enables them to get work experience whilst studying – A win-win situation for all involved.
The Chefs’ Forum Academy also operates in West London College, The Manchester College, Pembrokeshire College and Coleg Gwent with further colleges set to adopt this fantastic programme of curriculum enrichment later this year. The Chefs’ Forum serves to bridge the gap between education and industry, inspiring young chefs and front-of-house professionals.
Any local hospitality employers (within one hour radius of Bath) interested in supporting the college and offering their expertise in teaching as part of The Chefs’ Forum Academy should email rebecca@redcherry.uk.com
Coconut Chilli ‘Ghost Kitchen Partnership’ with Bar Humbug is a Blessing for Both Businesses
Coconut Chilli, Bristol-based street food pioneers led by Navina Bartlett have announced the location of their ghost kitchen the day after Boris Johnson announced a nationwide 10pm curfew for all bars & restaurants across England.
Coconut Chilli who successfully launched their ‘delivery days’ menu featuring Indian snacks and their popular gourmet curry bowls from a secret site in affluent Clifton, Bristol in mid-April, have thanked the collaborative nature of Bar Humbug on Whiteladies Road.
Following the recent announcement about the 10pm curfew in all bars and restaurants across England, the partnership means that the both businesses are more resilient during a time when income can evaporate instantly.
During lockdown, a partnership was established between Bar Humbug’s owner, Pablo Chaundy & Navina Bartlett, founder of Coconut Chilli, when they started selling hot takeaway curries when almost all other food establishments were closed.
Navina Bartlett, Founder and Boss Lady, Coconut Chilli states;
“Operating from the back of Bar Humbug is ideal for us at the moment as there is so much uncertainty. We really like working alongside other established operators & we are able to safeguard hospitality jobs too.”
Most of the events Coconut Chilli has taken part in have been carefully chosen to align their brand at events like the Diwali celebrations for the Mayor of London, the Financial Times’ Festival of Finance, high-end private weddings as well as food festivals like Abergavenny and Jamie Oliver’s ‘The Big Feastival’.
There is a successful history of co-branded sites in other parts of Bristol and it’s surprising that it hadn’t been attempted in Clifton. Lots of small food brands partner with pubs or bars – Wing’s Diner at Small Bar, Mission Pizza at Left Handed Giant & Tsukemono at The Robin Hood are examples of valuable working partnerships.
Pablo Chaundy, Owner, Bar Humbug states;
“Working with Coconut Chilli will diversify our business model at a time where flexibility is key. We are also launching our daytime offer, which will bolster our resilience & we both call for Bristolians to support this longstanding independent venue.”
Coconut Chilli’s ‘delivery days’ menu is available for delivery by V Cars Taxis or free collection from 5pm until 9pm, Thursday – Sunday only.
To pre-order & secure your delivery slot visit https://www.coconutchilli.com/menu
Bar Humbug opens from 10am & will be serving Triple Roast coffee, locally sourced cakes & their popular charcuterie & cheese boards every weekday starting in September. https://www.barhumbug.co.uk
Seafish Report Record Fish Sales Since Lockdown
At the start of the hospitality lockdown one of the key chef ingredients went under the radar: fish. What happened has probably changed the industry at least in the short term and for an number of reasons there has never been a better time to eat or cook with fish.
Almost overnight, according to a new report by Seafish, export markets to countries such as China, Italy, Spain and France collapsed. At the same time retail sales soared as the UK began life in lockdown. These have subsequently levelled off to an increased level compared with the same time in 2019. This boom in retail has benefitted supermarkets but also high street fishmongers.
Suddenly, for the first time in years, fishmongers were able to get hold of native fish that were traditionally exported. With markets in Spain closed down fish such as hake, plaice and bass were all in plentiful supply – along with all the other native UK fish such as cod and haddock. Shellfish, especially crab and lobster were also in good supply.
When the hospitality lockdown kicked in businesses along the UK seafood supply chain lost access to their usual markets and new small-scale markets emerged to sell direct. Coastal fish markets adapted and many suppliers set up new routes to sell direct into homes.
It is this trend that should excite chefs. Learning from retail is a new way of considering menus and new dishes. More of the general public are buying fish and, more than likely, will welcome it on menus – especially as it is native and sustainable.
John Watson, owner of traditional fishmongers CFayre in Largs told Seafish:
“We’re selling more fish now than before the pandemic. We’re not sure whether that’s because customers have discovered us, moved away from supermarkets for their fish or are simply appreciating the quality of Scottish fish, but it’s been very positive.”
One of the areas most seriously hit was fish processing and with less fish being taken out of the food chain there was more to go around. This helped to spread the quality of fish hitting the market. However, the frozen and fresh retail market has also seen a boom.
Scott Johnston, Technical & CSR Director at Young’s Seafood said:
“At Young’s, we saw an uplift across our retail business which began in the lead up to lockdown. This started with strong chilled sales and was followed by an uplift in frozen sales as shoppers switched to bigger, less frequent shops and filled up their freezers with 142m fewer shopping trips taken in between March and April.”
A New Way of Learning at South Lanarkshire College
Helen competed in the BBC contest along with teammates Mark Tilling and Samantha Rain. She now lectures at South Lanarkshire College and she tells The Chefs’ Forum how she is dealing with college teaching whilst adhering to restrictions.
How are you coping with college teaching?
At the moment, teaching is coming with its challenges but South Lanarkshire College is trying very hard to ensure that the student experience is not compromised and student and staff safety is our number one priority.
How often are students cooking?
Currently, our students are cooking one day per week at the moment to adhere to government guidelines on social distancing. We have a maximum capacity of 6 students and one lecturer per class to be able to work safely. When restrictions ease, we hope to the students back in more than one day in the kitchen but we have to take it a day at a time.
How have the students coped with the new rules?
The students have been brilliant and really understanding with the COVID restrictions and we are all working together. They are just so pleased to be in the kitchen and our returners are delighted to get hands on again.
How did you work during lockdown?
I adapted my online teaching methods through Microsoft Teams by making my own video demos for students to follow and practice recipes at home. Furthermore, we had group discussions, online quizzes to test knowledge, researching afternoon tea/dessert menus and students designing their own as well as inviting guest pastry chefs and bakers from industry for question and answer sessions. These Q&A sessions were a great success as it gave students the chance to ask questions to chefs they may not always have access to.
When did you start teaching?
I have been in education now for the past year and a half and every day is a school day. It’s so exciting to train the future pastry chefs and give students a chance to change their lives and circumstances. To see progress in a student is so rewarding and I am so privileged to be part of their learning journey. I was like them back in 2013 and then two years later I went on to be in the winning team of BBC’s Bake Off Creme de la Creme. I never would have thought in a million years I could have done that and I remind students that anything is possible.
What was your training beyond college?
I worked in a patisserie in Barcelona called Escriba and there I learned so much. That job gave me the chance to relocate to Singapore for a month where we did the world’s first theatrical pastry event, Fantasia by Escriba, hosted at the Marina Bay Sands convention centre.
Think Willy Wonka and multiply it by 100! A life-size chocolate waterfall, chocolate sculptures, chocolate shoes, masterclasses and theatre all under the one roof. It was a great experience to work with local pastry chefs and students from SHATEC culinary school in Singapore.
I have also worked alongside world champion pastry chef, Jordi Bordas, helping him in classes and also doing courses with him. He is a very important mentor for me and is one of a kind.
I’ve also invested in courses at the Barry Callebaut Chocolate Academy in Vic, Catalonia, and learned from pastry chefs such as Melissa Coppel, Miquel Guarro, Daniel Alvarez, the team of pastry chefs from Tickets restaurant and many more. These courses are not cheap but I see them as an investment, One chef said to me, if you want to do your best, learn from the best, and that’s what I’ve aimed to do. Every day is a school day.
The Savoy Education Trust Back New Restaurant & Kitchen Facility at Bury College
Catering students at Bury College University Centre are excited at the prospect of a new restaurant and kitchen facility that will offer university students a contemporary dining experience. The facility, which is being created by the College with the backing of The Savoy Educational Trust, will provide catering students to cook and serve the wider public on campus and offer cutting edge equipment.
The new restaurant will complement the training kitchen capacity already available at Bury College to offer aspiring chefs, restaurant managers and baristas the opportunity to work in a new hospitality training environment.
Jacqui Taylor, Curriculum Director Creative and Service Industries, Business and Professional, said, “The Bury College Catering department has seen exceptional growth over recent years with the introduction of several new courses including the Higher National Certificate in Hospitality Management and Apprenticeship Standard in Level 2 Production Chef. This new facility responds to our growing area and we are delighted that this new space will benefit our university and adult learners and provide them with a unique experience.”
The student-led kitchens and front of house will allow learners to develop their range of food preparation skills and provide a chance to experience a new live working environment.
Ella Booth, who has recently completed her Level 3 in Advanced Professional Cookery and is now progressing to complete the Higher National Certificate in Hospitality Management, said, “I really enjoyed my Catering course at Bury College, the tutors were so supportive and it helped me to secure a job working in Hospitality. The new facility sounds really good and I am looking forward to using new equipment which will prepare me for work within the industry and will help to improve my confidence.”
This new investment is being co-funded between Savoy Educational Trust and the College and will be situated in the College’s University Centre which houses a wide range of higher education and adult programmes. The space will be re-modelled to offer a modern facility for university students to benefit from.
Margaret Georgiou, Secretary to the Trustees, said, “The Trustees of the Savoy Educational Trust are always keen to offer funding to colleges to enable them to develop their facilities, thus greatly enhancing the realistic work environment for the students, both present and future, and help raise their aspirations.
“If there is to be a successful transition from education to employment, it is vital that students can learn from and practice in modern, relevant, up-to-date facilities whilst studying hospitality at college. Bury College is a great example of industry and education working together to help local businesses find local talent to work locally. The Trustees are delighted to have supported this new facility.”
Zest Quest Asia Summer Challenge Winners Named
Students from Colchester Institute, University College Birmingham and North Hertfordshire College triumph.
(London, 15th September) Students from four colleges were named winners of the first Zest Quest Asia Summer Challenge, the first completely on-line spinoff of Zest Quest Asia, the culinary competition founded by Indian restaurateurs Cyrus and Pervin Todiwala to raise the profile of Asian cuisine among budding chefs. The winner announcements were made via Zest Quest Asia’s instagram and Facebook accounts on Monday, 7th September, with news quickly going viral.
First prize went to Ryan Plummer of Colchester Institute for his King Prawn Tempura Starter served with a mango, red onion and chilli salsa, accompanied by a lemon mayonnaise, burnt butter crumb and micro-coriander. The judges praised Ryan’s decision to recreate an authentic Japanese dish with an original twist. Ryan wins a lunch or dinner for four people, including tutor Colchester Institute tutor Ian Perkins, at Café Spice Namaste, the Todiwalas’ flagship restaurant in Whitechapel.
Hannah Fisher of University College Birmingham was named runner-up for her complex Asian-inspired dessert medley comprising Yuzu parfait with a sesame peanut crumb; Mango sorbet, green tea macaroons, mango sorbet sat on a ginger and almond biscuit; and Sour cherries and handmade chocolate chopsticks. Hannah wins a hamper of Mr Todiwala’s products, including artisanal pickles, chutneys and spice blends.
Kenya Cameron of University College Birmingham and Luke Watkins of North Hertfordshire College both won Highly Commended prizes.
Kenya’s dish comprised a Sticky Rice Ball filled with Pomelo Curd, on a bed of white chocolate snow, with a raspberry and mango gel, hazelnut brittle and Chantilly cream. Luke’s entry was a Honey and Soy Sauce Glazed Duck Breast served with sautéed pack choi, Chinese broth, crispy noodles and garnished with pickled grapes and chillis. Kenya and Luke win personally signed copies of a cookbook by Cyrus Todiwala.
The first Zest Quest Asia Summer Challenge was conceived by the Todiwalas with Murray Chapman, Director of Passion to Inspire and First Contact Chefs. Their aim was to encourage students aged 16-21 with permanent residency in the UK to challenge their imaginations during lockdown by creating an Asian-inspired dish in their own home kitchens and posting the results on-line. The winners were chosen from 18 finalists drawn from seven different colleges.
Ryan Plummer, the first Zest Quest Asia Summer Challenge champion, said, ‘I’m thrilled to be chosen as the first Zest Quest Asia Summer Challenge champion, as the competition was tough, and there were many other great entries. I chose to enter the competition following on from my experience at Zest Quest Asia 2019. Now I’m looking forward to the meal to be cooked by Cyrus. I’d like to thank Colchester Institute and Milsoms Kesgrave Hall for their support.’
Cyrus Todiwala said, ‘We were very impressed by the entries to our first Zest Quest Asia Summer Challenge. The talent and ambition was clear to see. Our champion Ryan stood out for the originality of his dish and how it reflected the ethos of Zest Quest Asia. In fact, all our winners were deserving for the obvious hard work they’d put in and their excellent entries. It was a tough decision.
