Categories
News FeedThePlanet - Blog

Reflecting on Feed the Planet’s Accomplishments

Reflecting on Feed the Planet’s Accomplishments

This summer, Feed the Planet team members from across Worldchefs, Electrolux Food Foundation, AIESEC, and Griffith Foods came together for our yearly strategic meeting. It was a fruitful moment to reflect on our accomplishments and plan for missions for the months and years ahead.

Our yearly strategic meeting with all of the Feed the Planet partners is a unique moment to reflect on the lives we’ve changed and the impact that we’ve made on our planet. Creating a more sustainable food system isn’t easy—but it needs to be done. And I couldn’t be more thankful for the time to reflect and plan the journey ahead with the team at Worldchefs and our partners at the Electrolux Food Foundation, AIESEC, and Griffith Foods.

Chris Koetke, Worldchefs Feed the Planet Committee Chairman

The Feed the Planet program was founded by Worldchefs in 2012 and since we joined forces with the Electrolux Food Foundation and AIESEC in 2016, we have:

  • Changed over 1,300 lives through our Like a Chef training program across Sweden, Poland, Russia, Ukraine, Egypt, South Africa, Brazil, and South Africa.
  • Educated over 12,000 chefs through our innovative Sustainability Education for Culinary Professionals free course.
  • Inspired over 160,000 children to make better food choices for themselves and the planet through our Food Heroes educational workshop.
  • Reached over 191,000,0000 people across the globe to raise awareness around food sustainability

Like every time we meet with partners Worldchefs, AIESEC, and Griffith Foods, it is a great opportunity to brainstorm, plan and discuss on how to deliver on our mission to create a more sustainable food system. But most importantly, it is so recharging to share ideas that seem too dreamy at first, but then become undoubted successes. And this time was no different.

Cosimo Scarano, Head of Electrolux Food Foundation
Get Involved with Feed the Planet

Why take action?

Every year, 1.3 billion tonnes of food is wasted while 795 million people are undernourished. Meanwhile, One of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions are caused by the food sector. We must take action every day for a better future, and our plates are an important place to do it.

We have a lot of work to do, but don’t be discouraged. Be excited by the new discoveries, the forgotten joys, the inspiring power you wield as an individual, and the extraordinary potential of a community inspired.

Learn more about our programs and how to get involved today.

Categories
Blog

Quantum Pro – By Chefs for Chefs, Professional Culinary Tools: A Chef’s Choice for Commercial Kitchens

Quantum Pro – By Chefs for Chefs, Professional Culinary Tools: A Chef’s Choice for Commercial Kitchens

Quantum Pro is the flagship product line of Q Industries, crafted with a passion for culinary excellence and designed for professional  use. Understanding the challenges that most chefs face in their kitchen endeavors, Quantum Pro was created to make food preparation easier. Offering products in five main categories: Pots & Pans, Kitchen Utensils, Knives, Cutting Boards, and Food Storage Containers.

Pots & Pans

Crafted from premium 304 stainless steel, Quantum Pro pots and pans offer exceptional durability. Their performance-driven design withstands the harshest kitchen conditions. Featuring a special aluminum core, these pots and pans ensure rapid, even heat transfer for perfectly cooked food. Sturdy, hollow handles reduce heat transfer, keeping handles cool and secure. Versatile in use, they are compatible with gas, electric, and induction cooktops, making them a great choice for kitchens.

Kitchen Utensils

Quantum Pro kitchen utensils are available in versatile sizes and dimensions, they cater to all culinary needs, from precise tasks to handling larger utensils. Engineered to withstand high heat, they are perfect for grilling, baking, and diverse cooking techniques. The ergonomic design ensures a comfortable grip and effortless usability.

Knives

Quantum Pro’s kitchen knives  are of the highest quality with the broadest line of knives designed for professional chefs across the globe. Made with X50Cr-MoV15 (X50), our German molybdenum vanadium steel alloy blades are gently curved for precision performance in any kitchen.

Each knife is a laser goniometer tested on the cutting edge to ensure the sharpest blade. Paired with injection molded Dupont resin handles, we ensure comfort and safety with every use. 

Cutting Boards 

Made from premium polypropylene (HDPE 500), Quantum Pro cutting board meets food safety standards, is non-slip, and is exceptionally easy to clean, reducing the risk of cross-contamination. The cutting boards are designed for heavy use in the most demanding conditions. Chop, cut, slice, dice, filet and carve easily without worry of deterioration or warping. Enjoy the  benefits from our ultra-durable high-density polypropylene design that is gentle on knives and makes prep-work and clean-up a breeze.

Food Storage Containers

Quantum Pro GN containers are crafted from durable 201 stainless steel with a gauge of up to 0.8mm. These corrosion-resistant containers come in a comprehensive range of European standard GN sizes and depths, including perforated options. Our  unique anti-jamming design ensures convenient use in busy kitchens. Additionally, Quantum Pro offers versatile lid options, including standard, notched, and silicon seal lids. Designed with finished, smooth edges all around, these containers enhance safety and are perfect for professional kitchen environments.

Q Industries – One-Stop Destination for Integrated Hospitality Solutions 

With nearly 40 years of experience, Q Industries is dedicated to fulfilling all procurement needs with innovative and cost-effective solutions tailored to clients’ business. Headquartered in Singapore, with offices across Southeast Asia, we offer an extensive range of products that grace the world’s most reputable hospitality establishments.

Comprehensive Product Range: Our diverse product selection spans multiple styles, designs, and price points, ensuring we meet the unique requirements of clients in various sectors of the hospitality and food service industries. From the initial inquiry to the final delivery, our integrated services simplify procurement decisions, providing a seamless experience from start to finish.

Visit Q Industries https://qindustries.com/ and follow us to get a professional consultant for your culinary and hospitality solutions.

Q Industries Group | Facebook

Q Industries Group | Instagram

Q Industries Group | LinkedIn

Categories
Blog

Natural Luxury Sommelier Challenge: The Beginning of a Global Quest

Natural Luxury Sommelier Challenge: The Beginning of a Global Quest

Dilmah Tea launched the Natural Luxury Sommelier Challenge, a global quest celebrating the artistry of tea. There was no better place to debut this competition than Sri Lanka, the land renowned for producing the world’s finest tea.

This competition focuses on the intricate process of transforming a versatile yet complex ingredient, into a culinary experience while honouring its natural origins. Sri Lanka, with its rich heritage in tea production, provided the perfect backdrop for this inaugural event.

Held at BMICH, Colombo, the challenge brought together top F&B and culinary experts to showcase their creativity with natural ingredients, especially tea. Dilmah, dedicated to showcasing the versatility of tea and natural ingredients in high-end gastronomy and mixology, aligns this challenge with its mission to celebrate natural ingredients and make the world a better tea.

The event redefined fine dining with nature at its core, promoting sustainability and the hidden potential of tea in luxury dining. Dilmah’s mission is to highlight the versatility of tea in high-end gastronomy and mixology, setting new standards that honour nature.

Judged by Chef Manjit Gill, Chef Bernd Uber, and Menura Rathnayaka, the competition featured exceptional tea-inspired performances. Galle Face Hotel emerged as the Overall Winner, with Cinnamon Grand and Shangri-La Colombo as runners-up. Special awards went to Galle Face Hotel for Best Team, Cinnamon Grand for Best Sommelier, and Heritance Ahungalla for Best Tea Pairing.

Stay tuned as we prepare to take this tea-inspired extravaganza global.


ABOUT DILMAH TEA

Sri Lankan family tea company Dilmah, was established by Merrill J. Fernando to bring quality, Single Origin Ceylon Tea, garden fresh and unblended, to tea drinkers around the world. His Dilmah Tea brand was the first genuinely ethical tea brand, bringing a smile to the faces of the underprivileged in Sri Lanka, whilst giving consumers quality, authenticity and natural goodness in their cup of tea.


BECOME A WORLDCHEFS PARTNER

Partner with Worldchefs to get connected with our international membership of professional associations, hospitality schools, and companies around the globe.

Learn more about our partnership opportunities here.

Categories
Competition Seminar

Worldchefs announces three upcoming Competition Seminars at the Worldchefs Congress & Expo 2024!

Worldchefs has announced THREE Competition Seminars!

Worldchefs Competition Seminars are designed for ambitious culinarians looking to gain insight into the height of international culinary competition standards. Whether a competitor, trainer, or aspiring judge, these intensive seminars provide key information about current trends, competition rules, and judging criteria, to help chefs keep up to date and at their best.

Three competition seminars will be hosted in-person at the Worldchefs Congress & Expo 2024 in Singapore for aspiring judges and driven competitors: Pastry Arts on October 23rd, Culinary Arts & Hot Kitchen on October 24th, and Vegan/Plant-Based on October 25th.

Starting from July 22, 2024, each purchaser of a Congress Delegate Ticket (Full Delegate (950 euros), Young Chef (650 euros), Retired Chef (800euros)) will have the opportunity to attend ONE competition seminar at no additional cost. Only registrations made after July 22 are eligible. Seats are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

Click below to learn more details about each competition seminar event:
Vegan/Plant-Based Competition Seminar
Competitors: Why attend?
  • Learn indispensable tips to excel in culinary competitions, and understand the service process and presentation details to make sure you know everything from the very beginning to the end.
  • Be the first to discover current culinary trends, innovations in modern kitchen equipment, and the latest technologies used in competition.
  • Engage with renowned chef instructors and get inspired alongside a diverse and driven class of competition chefs, aspiring judges, and influencers in the culinary space.
Judges: Why attend?
  • Keep up to date with culinary trends, and discover all the latest rules necessary to provide fair judgment during competition events.
  • Engage with renowned chef instructors and network with a diverse and driven class of competition chefs, aspiring judges, and influencers in the culinary space.
  • Current judges: All Worldchefs Certified Judges are required to attend a Competition Seminar every five years. 
  • Future judges: Take the first step towards becoming a Worldchefs Certified Judge. Participants receive a certificate of participation after attending a Competition Seminar. This certificate of completion is one of the mandatory requirements when submitting a Worldchefs Certified Judge application.
  • Please note: the Introduction to Competition Standards seminar is not eligible for Worldchefs Certified Judge applications.

Pre-register and gain more information by contacting: For more information, contact Ajla Dunga, [email protected] 

Categories
Uncategorized Certification

The Power of Worldchefs Global Culinary Certification

The Power of Worldchefs Global Culinary Certification

In an ever-changing culinary industry, it can be difficult to keep up with new trends and adapt to new hiring practices. Worldchefs Global Culinary Certification is an internationally recognized skills recognition framework that helps chefs around the world future-proof their culinary skills.

Dr. W. Jinnings Burruss, Jr., Worldchefs Certified Culinary Educator, Master Chef, and Executive Chef

Dr. W. Jinnings Burruss, Jr. is a Worldchefs Certified Culinary Educator, Master Chef, and Executive Chef and recently shared his experience with Worldchefs Global Culinary Certification. In the following interview you’ll learn how Worldchefs Global Culinary Certification can help you make your skills visible and stand out from the crowd.

Why did you decide to get certified through Worldchefs?

I decided to get certified through Worldchefs to elevate my professional standing and to align my extensive background in culinary arts and hospitality education with globally recognized standards. Obtaining certification through Worldchefs was a strategic decision to further validate my expertise and commitment to excellence in the culinary field. The certification process provided a rigorous and comprehensive assessment of my skills, knowledge, and experience, ensuring they meet international standards.

This global recognition is crucial in today’s interconnected world, where culinary professionals often seek opportunities beyond their local or national boundaries.

Additionally, Worldchefs certification supports my role in building strong industry partnerships and fostering collaborative efforts with other educational institutions and culinary organizations. It provides a benchmark of quality and professionalism that is recognized and respected worldwide, which is invaluable when developing articulation agreements, establishing internships, and creating pathways for student success.

This certification not only validates my skills but also positions me as a leader and innovator in the field, capable of driving positive change and inspiring others.

How has Worldchefs Global Culinary Certification benefited you professionally?

Worldchefs Global Culinary Certification has significantly benefited me professionally by enhancing my credibility, expanding my opportunities, and enabling me to contribute more effectively to the culinary education field. Here are some of the key ways in which the certification has impacted my career:

  • Enhanced Credibility and Professional Standing: Worldchefs Global Culinary Certification is a prestigious and internationally recognized credential that has bolstered my professional reputation. It serves as an affirmation of my expertise, knowledge, and skills in the culinary arts, validated by a leading global authority. This recognition has strengthened my credibility among peers, students, and industry partners, affirming my commitment to maintaining high standards and continuous professional development.
  • Expanded Career Opportunities: The certification has opened doors to new career opportunities.  As a holder of multiple Worldchefs certifications, including Certified Executive Chef, Certified Culinary Educator, and Certified Master Chef, I have gained access to a global network of culinary professionals. This network has been invaluable for professional growth, providing opportunities for collaboration, consulting, and leadership roles in various culinary and educational settings. Additionally, the certification has made me a more competitive candidate for higher-level positions within academic institutions and the culinary industry.
  • Strengthened Industry Partnerships: Worldchefs certification has facilitated the development of stronger partnerships with industry stakeholders. The credibility and recognition associated with the certification have helped me build trust and collaboration with culinary businesses, professional organizations, and other educational institutions. These partnerships have been crucial in creating valuable opportunities for my students, such as internships, practicums, and job placements. They have also supported initiatives to align academic programs with industry needs and standards, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for successful careers.
  • Personal and Professional Growth: The rigorous process of obtaining Worldchefs certification has driven me to continually refine and expand my skills. This commitment to lifelong learning has been essential for staying current with advancements in culinary arts and education. The certification process itself has been a journey of personal and professional growth, challenging me to achieve excellence and innovate in my field. It has also provided a framework for ongoing professional development, encouraging me to seek out new learning opportunities, attend industry conferences, and participate in professional associations.

Worldchefs Global Culinary Certification has been instrumental in advancing my career, enhancing my educational impact, and fostering industry relationships. It has provided a solid foundation for professional growth, enabling me to contribute meaningfully to the culinary arts and education sectors while inspiring and preparing the next generation of culinary professionals.

Why should chefs get certified through Worldchefs?

Chefs should consider obtaining certification through Worldchefs for several reasons, ranging from enhancing professional credibility to opening new career opportunities. Here are key benefits and considerations as I have experienced:

  • International Recognition and Credibility: Worldchefs Global Culinary Certification is recognized and respected worldwide. This international recognition significantly enhances a chef’s professional credibility. It signifies a commitment to the highest standards of culinary excellence, validated by a leading global culinary organization. Such a credential can differentiate chefs in a competitive industry, showcasing their dedication to continuous improvement and adherence to global standards.
  • Career Advancement and Opportunities: Worldchefs certification can serve as a powerful catalyst for career advancement. It opens doors to new job opportunities, promotions, and leadership roles. Certified chefs are often viewed as more qualified and capable, making them attractive candidates for prestigious positions in top restaurants, hotels, educational institutions, and other culinary settings. The certification can also facilitate international career mobility, allowing chefs to work in diverse culinary markets around the world.
  • Skill Enhancement and Professional Development: The certification process involves rigorous assessments that test a chef’s skills, knowledge, and experience. Preparing for and achieving certification encourages chefs to refine their techniques, stay updated with industry trends, and continually improve their culinary expertise. This commitment to professional development ensures that certified chefs maintain a high level of competency and are well-prepared to meet the evolving demands of the culinary industry.
  • Enhanced Teaching and Leadership Capabilities: For chefs involved in education and training, Worldchefs certification, such as the Certified Culinary Educator credential, validates their teaching skills and industry knowledge. This certification enhances their ability to effectively train and mentor the next generation of chefs. It also supports leadership roles within educational institutions, helping to develop curricula that meet industry standards and ensure students receive a comprehensive and relevant culinary education.
  • Enhanced Professional Visibility: Certified chefs often gain increased visibility within the culinary industry. This can lead to media opportunities, invitations to judge competitions, and participation in high-profile culinary events. Enhanced visibility not only boosts a chef’s personal brand but also opens up additional career opportunities and avenues for professional growth.
  • Contribution to the Culinary Profession: Worldchefs Global Culinary Certification has offered myself numerous benefits that can significantly enhance my and other chef’s career. From international recognition and career advancement to skill enhancement and professional networking, the certification is a valuable investment in a chef’s professional future. It fosters continuous improvement, adaptability, and excellence, making it a crucial credential for chefs aiming to achieve the highest levels of success in the culinary industry.

Worldchefs Global Culinary Certification has offered myself numerous benefits that can significantly enhance my and other chef’s career. From international recognition and career advancement to skill enhancement and professional networking, the certification is a valuable investment in a chef’s professional future. It fosters continuous improvement, adaptability, and excellence, making it a crucial credential for chefs aiming to achieve the highest levels of success in the culinary industry.

Ready to get certified?

Worldchefs Global Culinary Certification is a prestigious skills recognition framework designed for culinary professionals around the world. Created with leading employers, this framework validates individuals’ culinary skills, knowledge, and experience against a global benchmark.

By making real-life workplace skills visible, measurable, and global, Worldchefs Global Culinary Certification empowers individuals to showcase their culinary competency, stand out in the job market, and accelerate their careers.

Learn more and apply today: https://worldchefs.org/global-culinary-certification/

Congratulations to the winners of The Chefs Table 2024!

Congratulations to the winners of The Chefs Table 2024!

The sixth edition of The Chefs Table competition took place from 4-6 June 2024 during The Hotel Show Dubai. Nine culinary teams from some of the region’s leading hotels went head-to-head over three days to produce stunning five-course meals in the hopes of winning the coveted title of ‘Hotel Culinary Team of the Year’.

Congratulations to the teams who took home the gold this year!

Best Overall Team: Madinat Jumeirah Conference Center

  • Team Members: Boniface Karanja, Amal Antony, Carmi Gladys Ison, Joshua Willam Jonathan, Sudat Koralalage,  Fransiskus Xaverius Andika Kristianto, and Kathiresan Krishnan

Best Kitchen Team: Pullman Deira City Center

  • Team Members: Udaya Nilanga, Dammika Herath, and Gowtham Padmanabamurugan

Best Table & Service Team: DWTC

  • Team Members: Evangeline Gomez and Aryan Krishna

Best Bar Service: Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi Emirates Pearl

  • Team Member: Pradhyumn Dumka

The Chefs Table is organized and managed by the Emirates Culinary Guild. We look forward to the next edition of this thrilling competition!


APPLY FOR A WORLDCHEFS ENDORSEMENT

Take your competition to the next level with Worldchefs competition endorsement, a prestigious recognition, achieved by competitions that meet the highest standards of quality. This endorsement provides exceptional opportunities for visibility to an audience of culinary professionals.

Benefits include:

  • Tap into a global community of chefs for greater networking and business opportunities.
  • Unlock new possibilities with optional digital badging and event competition software.
  • Gain free of charge digital badges for competitors and winners with co-branding opportunities.
  • Gain access to downloadable evaluation and scoring sheets on Worldchefs website. 

Learn more and apply to endorse your competition: https://worldchefs.org/Endorsement/

Categories
Blog

The Secret to Elevate Your Drink or Dish

The Secret to Elevate Your Drink or Dish

Dilmah Elixir of Ceylon Tea is a dream ingredient for elevated gastronomy and mixology to create exotic and sophisticated dishes and drinks. It is a natural extract of single-estate tea infused with other high-quality ingredients to make a range of.

It is equally useful for professional mixologists and chefs, because high-quality ingredients are all available in one bottle, and a new creative flair can be added to whatever you wish to create.

When cooking, world-renowned Chefs have used it in salad dressings, marinades, desserts, soups and sauces to add a unique flavor profile to their dishes. With its real tea content and naturally sweetened flavor profile, it can be used in a number of ways to heighten sweet or savory dishes.

For the mixologists, whether you are making iced tea, cocktails, mocktails, smoothies, slushies, or milkshakes simply pour the Elixir of Ceylon Tea into the drink and give it a mix. 

Since only the finest Ceylon Tea is used when creating the Elixir, it is rich in plant antioxidant goodness and uses low sugar. That combination makes it a guilt-free indulgence that is quick and easy to use.

This May, Dilmah’s all-natural Elixirs of Pure Ceylon Tea made a spectacular debut in Asia’s Cocktail Capital! Tea Grower and Dilmah Chairman/ CEO Dilhan C. Fernando, led guests on a delightful journey, tasting our exceptional teas and discovering the unique terroir of Ceylon before introducing our low-sugar, naturally sweetened Elixirs with their distinctive flavour profiles.

Star mixologists Bannie Kang and Vijay Mudaliar impressed the gathering with their tea-inspired iced teas, t-cocktails, and low-ABV creations. Tea is truly a natural luxury that inspires, and Dilmah’s Elixir of Ceylon Tea range can effortlessly elevate this experience to extraordinary heights. After all, it’s mixology and gastronomy inspired by nature. 

Dilmah brought the exciting news to Asia first but it is soon to be unveiled in other regions. Stay tuned!


ABOUT DILMAH TEA

Sri Lankan family tea company Dilmah, was established by Merrill J. Fernando to bring quality, Single Origin Ceylon Tea, garden fresh and unblended, to tea drinkers around the world. His Dilmah Tea brand was the first genuinely ethical tea brand, bringing a smile to the faces of the underprivileged in Sri Lanka, whilst giving consumers quality, authenticity and natural goodness in their cup of tea.


BECOME A WORLDCHEFS PARTNER

Partner with Worldchefs to get connected with our international membership of professional associations, hospitality schools, and companies around the globe.

Learn more about our partnership opportunities here.

Categories
GCC Global Chefs Challenge

Meet the Competitors: Global Chefs Challenge Finals 2024

Meet the Competitors: Global Chefs Challenge Finals 2024

We’re excited to announce the competitors of the Global Chefs Challenge Finals! Representing their respective countries and culinary teams, the world’s most promising chefs will experience three days of intense competition at the Finals, from 22 – 25 October, during the Worldchefs Congress & Expo 2024 in Singapore.

Who will take home the prized trophy and title of World’s Best Chef? See some of the talented competitors below and the full list of competitors here!

Chef Ale Mordasini, Global Chefs Challenge

Country: Switzerland

Position: Head Chef at Relais & Chateaux Hotel Krone Regensberg

What are you most looking forward to at the Worldchefs Congress & Expo 2024 and Global Chefs Challenge Finals?

To compete with the best chefs and show the world my skills and experience of more than 25 competitions in the previous years. Just feeling that rush of adrenaline makes me smile. I can’t wait to start!

What advice would you give to fellow chefs who want to compete in international competitions?

Have fun competing, and keep on pushing even if it’s not a win.

What is your favorite recipe to prepare?

I love to create unique dishes with all the best quality products from our region and prepare them with the highest precision utilizing my skills.

What is your favorite quote?

“You don’t have to be the best cook in the world, it’s enough to be a little bit better every day than the day before” – Ferran Adria

Chef Amber Heaton, Global Young Chefs Challenge

Country: Australia

Position: Demi Chef & Captain of the Australian National Youth Culinary Team

What are you most looking forward to at the Worldchefs Congress & Expo 2024 and Global Chefs Challenge Finals?

I’m most looking forward to meeting like-minded chefs, and forming lifetime connections with many of them. Competing in this competition will give me more experience within the competition arena, allowing me to broaden my knowledge.

What advice would you give to fellow chefs who want to compete in international competitions?

My advice to fellow chefs that want to compete in international competitions is to just believe in yourself. No goal is too big or too small. If you put your mind to something and work hard, anything is achievable.

What is your favorite recipe to prepare?

I love to prepare fresh pasta! Especially a dish that has lots of garlic and fresh seafood.

What’s your favorite quote?

My late Grandfather used to often say to me “Be a leader and not a follower.” This quote has always stuck with me, and I hold it very close to my heart.

Chef Miguel Ángel González, Global Pastry Chefs Challenge

Country: Chile

Position: Executive Chef at Brussels Chocolates

What are you most looking forward to at the Worldchefs Congress & Expo 2024 and Global Chefs Challenge Finals?

The experience of representing Chile in an important international tournament like this. I am looking forward to knowing the level of the professionals who represent other countries, and becoming the champion.

What advice would you give to fellow chefs who want to compete in international competitions?

Prepare seriously and professionally, practicing as much as you can, working correctly as a team, and reviewing every detail.

What is your favorite recipe to prepare?

Lemon Pie.

What is your favorite quote?

“Practice and perseverance overcome natural talent.”

Chef Chris Bugher, Global Vegan Chefs Challenge

Country: USA

Position: Chef Instructor at A-B Tech and Executive Chef at Apex Culinary

What are you most looking forward to at the Worldchefs Congress & Expo 2022 and Global Chefs Challenge Finals?

I am most looking forward to connecting with fellow Chefs from around the world, sharing my knowledge, and learning from them.

What advice would you give to fellow chefs who want to compete in international competitions?

Start by competing on a National level. Study the country you are traveling to about food availability and what you can bring to the country. Stay clean, organized, and make it taste great!

What is your favorite recipe to prepare?

My favorite recipes to make are Brined Baby Carrots with Chimichurri, Vegan Queso, and Crunchy Pepitas.

What is your favorite quote?

“I think the most wonderful thing in the world is another Chef. I’m always excited about learning new things about food.” -Paul Prudhomme

Categories
FeedThePlanet

Celebrating the graduates of the Like A Chef program in St. Lucia

Celebrating the graduates of the Like A Chef program in St. Lucia

  • The Like A Chef program, a Feed the Planet initiative driven by Worldchefs, Electrolux Food Foundation, and AIESEC, hosted the first graduation for 2024 in St. Lucia.
  • Graduates received comprehensive culinary education, encompassing cooking techniques and strategies for reducing food waste, to help them identify suitable employment
  • The unique Like a Chef initiative was launched in 2017 with a goal to educate and train 3,000 people worldwide by 2030. Learn more about Feed the Planet programs including Like A Chef at feedtheplanet.worldchefs.org.

This May, the fourth cohort of students graduated from Worldchefs’ Like a Chef program in St. Lucia! Over twelve weeks, the fourteen students learned essential skills in the kitchen to prepare them for a future career in the culinary industry.

The Like a Chef program in St. Lucia launched on February 14th, 2023 by founder Jordann Norbert. Since then, a total of 54 students have graduated from the program over four cohorts.

Graduates from our Like a Chef program never fail to inspire us and this group of graduates is no different. Take it from founder Jordann Norbert herself:

We have had some really inspiring stories come out of this cohort. One being a return student who started out with us last year in our second cohort and got caught up with the law which affected him not being able to complete the program. However during his first appearance before the judge she learned of the program he was completing and was very impressed. She ordered that he had to return to complete the program in it’s entirety as a stipulation during his probational period. He did exactly that, participating in this cohort and successfully completing the program. He will be starting his internship next week at one of our most highly decorated restaurants here on island. We are super proud of him.

Training chefs in sustainability practices is crucial for St. Lucia’s food industry, given the island’s heavy reliance on tourism and its vibrant culinary scene. Realizing the importance of sustainable practices in the kitchen, Jordann Norbert decided to incorporate Worldchefs’ Sustainability Education for Culinary Professionals course into the Like a Chef program. By equipping chefs with the knowledge and skills to source local ingredients, minimize food waste, and adopt eco-friendly cooking methods, the graduates of this program can help St. Lucia reduce its dependence on imported foods and support local agriculture. Sustainable practices in the kitchen not only enhance the island’s food security but also ensure a resilient food system that can withstand the impacts of climate change.

The students and graduates of Like a Chef in St. Lucia are motivated by their desire to create a better future for themselves and the planet. Their stories never cease to amaze us.

Another remarkable story is that of a single mother who, despite facing numerous challenges, excelled in the program. Her hard work and perseverance paid off when she was recently hired as a senior chef at Jade Mountain, one of the world’s top hotels. Her journey from unemployment to securing such a prestigious position is truly inspirational.

Jordann Norbert, Like a Chef St. Lucia founder

As Like a Chef in St. Lucia prepares to launch the second cohort in June, we look forward to following the success stories of more inspiring graduates as they shape the future of the culinary industry.

Impacting Communities

Like a Chef was launched in late 2017 with a goal to educate and train 3000 people worldwide by 2030. Founded and driven by Worldchefs together with Electrolux Food Foundation, the Like a Chef program is an employment training initiative that provides professional culinary skills to underprivileged individuals. The program emphasizes sustainable cooking methods with a zero-waste approach.

Adapted to each community it serves, the program empowers various groups in need, including refugees, single parents, cancer survivors, and orphaned teenagers, to provide for themselves and their families. With over 1000 graduates, there have been eight training centers around the world in Brazil, Poland, Egypt, Sweden, St. Lucia, Russia, and Ukraine.

“This project is really tailored to the needs of local communities. Together with our partner Worldchefs, Electrolux Food Foundation really wanted to give back to local communities and that’s the purpose and the secret of the success of this initiative,” said Cosimo Scarano, Head of Electrolux Food Foundation. “We are very honored to see the recognition coming for this program and are every day more and more convinced of its potential in changing people’s lives. Thanks to my team and to everyone who contributes daily to Like a Chef implementation and success.”

Take Action

The Like a Chef program is made possible with the support of Feed the Planet partners and the tireless contributions of Worldchefs’ members around the globe. Worldchefs extends the utmost gratitude to all program participants, local partners, sponsors, and volunteer chefs who contribute to the life-changing success of Like a Chef and all Feed the Planet initiatives. It is the dedication of Worldchefs’ global community that fosters resilience and solidarity in the industry and beyond.

“It’s an incredible honor to have been able to help change the lives of over 1000 people through the Like a Chef program, and the only way this is possible is through the diverse partnership of Worldchefs, Electrolux Food Foundation, and AIESEC, which together forms the backbone of Feed the Planet,” says Feed the Planet Chairman, Chris Koetke. “We look forward to expanding our program and reaching more lives in the years to come.”

To learn more about Feed the Planet and the Like a Chef program, visit feedtheplanet.worldchefs.org.

Categories
Blog

Real Tea for Real Tea People; the newest addition to the Dilmah family

Real Tea for Real Tea People; the newest addition to the Dilmah family

Dilmah Tea is delighted to introduce yet another exquisite addition to their long-standing legacy of producing exceptional teas at Dilmah. This collection features some of the finest Ceylon tea, meticulously packaged in luxury tea bags. This selection pays homage to Dilmah’s humble beginnings in 1985 and reflects the values, principles, and unwavering commitment of their Founder, the World’s Teamaker, to produce the finest Ceylon tea.

Crafted with care by a family of tea growers, each of these small-batch, luxury, artisanal teas embodies their passion and love for tea.

It’s not just tea. It’s real tea for real tea people.

Shop the Dilmah 85 Reserve and more: https://shop.dilmahtea.com/collections/85-reserve


ABOUT DILMAH TEA

Sri Lankan family tea company Dilmah, was established by Merrill J. Fernando to bring quality, Single Origin Ceylon Tea, garden fresh and unblended, to tea drinkers around the world. His Dilmah Tea brand was the first genuinely ethical tea brand, bringing a smile to the faces of the underprivileged in Sri Lanka, whilst giving consumers quality, authenticity and natural goodness in their cup of tea.


BECOME A WORLDCHEFS PARTNER

Partner with Worldchefs to get connected with our international membership of professional associations, hospitality schools, and companies around the globe.

Learn more about our partnership opportunities here.

What are you looking for?

Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Post Type Selectors