The Chefs’ Forum provides a facility for local chefs to share their knowledge and experience with catering students from City of Bristol College, Weston-super-Mare College and St Katherine’s VI Form.
Acclaimed chef and local food hero Chris Wicks - chef owner of Bell’s Diner and executive chef at Berwick Lodge - and Josh Eggleton - chef owner of the Michelin-starred Pony and Trap, launched the Forum with a ‘meeting of the minds’ last week.
“The invitation-only Chefs Forum is very positive for our kitchens and education alike and is something towards which both chefs and students can strive,” said Wicks. “I am delighted to be part of it.”
Catherine Farinha, Chefs’ Forum coordinator, added: “The Chefs Forum opens up the communication channels between the catering industry and education and suppliers – a need that was established through talking to all three groups – it was great to see all three interacting so well.”
Keeping chefs informed
The Chefs’ Forum will keep chefs informed on what’s going on in the colleges including details of any competitions and events in which students are involved. They will also be able to use The Chefs’ Forum website to source apprentices and work experience candidates through the scheme.
Chefs will swap time in each other’s kitchens and enjoy guest speeches at future forums from experts on specialist subjects like organics, sous vide and food & wine pairing. Local producers and suppliers will be invited to sample their wares at the forum to support the use of their products in our restaurants to boost the local economy.
Adrian Kirikmaa, restaurant and chef manager at City of Bristol College, concluded: “We are in the throes of a recession where moral is at an all-time low. It is important that our students know that there is a job at the end of their studies and hard work and dedication will pay off.
“I am delighted with the positive reaction of the chefs and their willingness to get involved in The Chefs’ Forum.”
