More than 90 guests from the hospitality sector recently gathered at Westminster Kingsway College in London to celebrate the relaunch of the Craft Guild of Chef’s esteemed Culinary Academy.
The Academy, open to all chefs of varying levels of experience, offers a structure through which participants can build and develop their competitive CV’s, whilst being part of a culinary team on both a national and international scale.
Matt Owens, Craft Guild of Chefs vice chair and previous team member, began the evening by discussing the value in bringing the Academy back to the Craft Guild of Chefs.
Guests then tucked into a delicious five course meal, each created by Craft Guild chefs and Kingsway students. Dishes included a starter of Chargrilled Winter Vegetable Terrine, Pickled Radish and Dill Emulsion, a Herb crusted Loin of Lamb, Smoked Onion puree, Truffle Potato, baked Carrot rich Lamb jus for the main, followed by a dessert of Olive Oil and Lemon baked Alaska.
Andrew Green, chief executive of the Craft Guild of Chefs, commented on the evening: “What a great start to the relaunch of the Craft Guild of Chefs Culinary Academy. After a few years out of the spotlight it was great to be able to relaunch at Westminster Kingsway College where many of our mentors and new culinary academy members started their catering careers.”
He added: “We will be entering many classes at the HRC show in March and plans are already underway to enter the British Student Culinary Championships in May with a view to driving towards the Culinary World Cup in 2022 in Luxembourg.”
A special mention went to Academy sponsors Eauvation, Daregal, Dalebrook and Angel for their support, as well as dinner sponsors Alliance, Wenlock Spring, Zuidam UK, Major International, Reynolds, Avlaki, Speciality Breads and Yes Chef.
A raffle and auction was held, raising nearly £3,000. Top auction prizes included a table for two at the stunning Roux Parliament Square in London.
The opportunity to compete in the Academy is open to all chefs of varying levels of experience. It will provide a fantastic career enhancing opportunity to be part of the Craft Guild of Chefs Culinary Academy, competing and demonstrating nationwide for industry accolades.
Alongside competing, team members will secure the opportunity to develop their own personal culinary skills including pastry and hot and cold larder work, whilst developing their communication and leadership skills and becoming part of a prestigious industry networking platform. Competitors will also gain guidance from experienced and senior competition chefs whilst competing and demonstrating at leading catering exhibitions. Successful advance team members will also get the chance to compete at the Culinary Olympics and 2022 Luxembourg World Cup.
Matt Owens, Craft Guild of Chefs vice chair and previous team member is leading the call for arms. “It’s extremely exciting to bring back this valuable and prestigious element of the Craft Guild of Chefs. The Culinary Academy is an amazing opportunity to be part of a culinary team on a national and international scale, competing against some of the world’s finest talent.”
The Culinary Academy offers a structure through which chefs can build and develop their competitive CVs, including a system of awards recognising levels of skill and competitive excellence. Novice members can progress through these levels following competitive attainment, while experienced competitors are recognised and rewarded for their achievements.
To join the Culinary Academy please contact Matt Owens or Andrew Green.
For those interested in getting involved in the Culinary Academy, visit www.craftguildofchefs.org and click on the Academy tab to register and join.
