Christopher Koetke is an umami expert and so much more. For well over 3 decades. He’s worked in some of the finest kitchens in the US, France, and Switzerland, and taught at world-class institutions around the globe.
At Worldchefs Congress 2022, he’s taking us through the intersection of science and taste to demystify this often misunderstood 5th taste.
Tell us a bit about your presentation, Harnessing the Art and Science of Umami to Make Superlative Cuisine.
While umami is our fifth taste, it is less commonly understood than the other 4 basic tastes. At the same time, it has significant potential to unleash new and deeper levels of flavor in your cuisine. Join me for an in-depth look at the science behind umami and the art of using it consciously and in balance with other tastes. This presentation will deepen your knowledge of umami and provide ideas and insight for your cooking.
What will be the key takeaways?
the science behind umami
the art of balancing umami with other flavors
how to unleash new and deeper levels of flavor in your cooking
Why should chefs attend Worldchefs Congress 2022?
It has simply been too long since we have all been together. We crave human connection and seeing friends and colleagues in person and not via zoom. It is also a great opportunity to learn from true experts and deepen the knowledge of our global impact.
What advice do you have for young chefs today?
Talk to everyone! Introduce yourself. You will see that there are many professionals who are deeply committed to your success and are happy to provide guidance, etc. Get lots of business cards and follow them up after the Congress.
Any final words of wisdom?
We need to always keep a focus on sustainability and act as professionals. With every passing day, it is more urgent.
Don’t miss the biennial event for industry leaders and culinary innovators. Register now for Worldchefs Congress & Expo 2022 and expand your professional bonds in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 30 May to 2 June 2022.
Shaun Payen is one of the youngest people on the planet to achieve the title of Distinguished Toastmaster–the highest level award in the world of Public Speaking.
At Worldchefs Congress 2022, he’ll deliver a masterclass in public speaking to help you tap into the skills and confidence needed to be a stronger speaker, listener, and leader.
You’ve helped people around the globe, from politicians to students, overcome their fears of public speaking and own the stage. What can we expect from your Congress presentation, Master the Art of Public Speaking?
Using the lessons of public speaking, you can show the world your true potential. I’ll teach you how to make your speeches less boring and more impactful, and how to apply the art of public speaking to every situation.
What will be the key takeaways?
overcoming your nerves
fostering the art of persuasion
making an impact to advance your career
Why should chefs attend Worldchefs Congress 2022?
They will benefit from meeting world-class professionals in their field. They will be able to have a personal interaction which can only bring a boost to their career.
What advice do you have for young chefs today?
To believe in the nobility of their profession. They are the reason why people leave with a smile after a delicious plate.
Can you close us out with your favorite inspirational quote?
“If you do something you love, you’ll never work a day in your life.” –Marc Anthony
Don’t miss the biennial event for industry leaders and culinary innovators. Register now for Worldchefs Congress & Expo 2022 and expand your professional bonds in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 30 May to 2 June 2022.
Edgar Buhrs always knew he wanted to be a chef. In his father’s butchery he couldn’t reach the counter, but standing on an upturned milk crate he gladly helped out with rolling the homemade croquettes. Since then he has ‘spiced up the world’ with magnificent dishes, challenging combinations of ingredients and techniques.
At this Worldchefs Congress 2022, he shares his expertise, passion, and humor to inspire you to grab your pots and pans for his favorite ingredient: veal.
You’ll be teaming up with Patricia van Krieken of VanDrie Group and Jan Snijders–butcher, teacher, and first Dutch Senior Welfare Officer–for a demonstration cleverly entitled Veal Meet Again. What can we expect?
We’ll explain why it is important to know which part of veal is where and what culinary applications are possible. I’ll bring my secrets from cheffing around the globe, along with expert tips from a master butcher, to elevate your recipes with veal.
What will be the key takeaways?
The main purpose of the presentation is to teach more about veal cuts and their applications.
Why should chefs attend Worldchefs Congress 2022?
As a chef, you want to meet fellow professionals to exchange experiences, be inspired, and increase your professional knowledge in a safe and inspiring environment, and that is possible at the Worldchefs Congress & Expo 2022.
What advice do you have for young chefs today?
Try as much as possible, investigate, go ahead within the limitations and open yourself up to others.
Don’t miss the biennial event for industry leaders and culinary innovators. Register now for Worldchefs Congress & Expo 2022 and expand your professional bonds in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 30 May to 2 June 2022.
Dessert Brewed, Poured & Served: Winners of the Inaugural Dilmah Tea Inspired Dessert Challenge Revealed
The Dilmah Tea Inspired Dessert Challenge brought in many different and innovative tea inspired food & tea pairings from all over the world. Dilmah has shown the world that tea can be enjoyed in three tiers; as a dessert, with a dessert or in a dessert recipe. The participants were required to pick a tea for dessert – that can be enjoyed on its own and either pair their own dessert recipe with the tea, or create a tea-infused dessert recipe.
Here are the creators who stepped up to the challenge showcasing their tea knowledge and culinary skill, while revolutionising and pushing the boundaries of tea in gastronomy, with a focus on the concept of enjoying tea as a dessert. Presenting the Top 5 Winners of the Dilmah Tea Inspired Dessert Challenge 2021:
Agata Wróbel – Poland
Agnieszka Janczak – Poland
Danielle Jovanoski – Australia
Lindsey Swain – Thailand
Rohit Menon – Australia
Why Tea as a Dessert?
Unlike most beverages, tea contains almost zero calories and offers the functional aspect of helping your body process sugar too. Experience Dilmah tea as a dessert and explore how your cuppa can enhance flavour and texture when paired with or added into dessert with Dilmah’s Dessert Tea Collection. Explore guiltless indulgence with 11 teas that are full of natural goodness, are sugar-free and delicious! Shop now: https://shop.dilmahtea.com/tea-ranges/dessert-tea-collection
Launch of DigiChef Online Learning with At-Sunrice GlobalChef Academy
Worldchefs has announced the collaborative launch of DigiChef Academy, a 100% online learning platform that is recognized by Worldchefs and designed by At-Sunrice GlobalChef Academy, Singapore’s premier culinary school for culinary, pastry and baking skills and food & beverage management education.
The platform provides globally recognized 6-month online career diplomas offering skills and knowledge in East and West, Old World and New World cuisines.
With 9 culinary modules, 9 Pastry & Bakery modules, and 7 F&B Services modules taught by leading industry professionals, the Diplomas are awarded by At-Sunrice GlobalChef Academy and endorsed by Worldchefs, delivering new opportunities to upskill kitchen and F&B training.
Paris, 8 of September 2021 – Worldchefs has announced the collaborative launch of DigiChef Academy, a 100% online learning platform that is recognized by Worldchefs and designed by At-Sunrice GlobalChef Academy, Singapore’s premier culinary school for culinary, pastry and baking skills and food & beverage management education.
For the past 20 years, the At-Sunrice has been cultivating global chefs and F&B professionals in an experiential environment of culinary authenticity and best-fit apprenticeship. Pioneering applied learning strategies with study and work apprenticeships and international qualifications, At-Sunrice GlobalChef Academy is a leader in shaping culinary training. The DigiChef Academy platform represents a new chapter in their mission to build craft-based education.
The experiential online learning platform provides innovative teaching and learning methodology, with an overall learning journey designed in three integrated phases:
Phase 1 – The first phase is 100% online and optimized for access across devices to empower learning 24/7. Students are given full access to the course materials in an interactive formation, allowing for self-paced study that breaks the monotony of reading from a textbook.
Phase 2 – The second phase provides on-site employment experience shadowing a DigiChef Academy-trained supervising Chef to support leadership training. Students learn by watching their supervisor formally or in informal demos within an everyday kitchen or restaurant environment.
Phase 3 – The third phase focuses on practice and peer learning. Through shared video within the platform, students track their own skills development in a fun and engaging way. Posting their videos promotes communication and encourages students to push each other to constantly improve.
To promote interactivity between learning peers and instructors, an innovative digital Dashboard allows instructors, trainers, and employers to fully track learners’ progress.
“The partnership of Worldchefs and At-Sunrice to create DigiChef Academy platform has been in the works for three years. The result is the three six months online Career Diplomas twinned with Employability which we are launching today,” says Dr. Kwan Lui, founder of At-Sunrice GlobalChef Academy.
“With Worldchefs, we are now able to open up this new horizon with no border restrictions and 24/7. We welcome any WC members to support in numerous possibilities as employers, as DigiChef Academy Instructors, DigiChef Academy assessors, or to provide scholarships to DigiChef Academy student chefs.”
The launch of DigiChef Academy marks another step into the digital frontier for Worldchefs and their efforts to expand educational standards and training opportunities for their international membership and culinary community.
The global non-profit has focused on providing culinary professionals with opportunities to upskill and access quality training resources, from their free online Worldchefs Academy Pre-Commis Chef training course, Global Hospitality Certification program, online catalog of Worldchefs Approved Schools, Sustainability Education curriculum, industry webinars, podcast, regional initiatives, and more.
The partnership with At-Sunrice also includes a series of educational webinars, livestream programs, and skills training recipe demos.
“Worldchefs continues to be inspired by the teaching innovations of our friends at At-Sunrice GlobalChefs Academy,” says Ragnar Fridrikkson, Worldchefs Managing Director. “We look forward to our continued
collaboration and to the bright futures for future culinary students and professionals around the world.”
-end-
ABOUT AT-SUNRICE GLOBALCHEF ACADEMY
At-Sunrice GlobalChef Academy is Singapore’s premier culinary school for culinary, pastry and baking skills and food & beverage management education, rated the Best Private Education Institution in Culinary Arts by Jobs Central Learning T.E.D. Awards. They receives 2500 students a year from over 34 countries, all passionate about their pursuits in food, food service and entrepreneurship.
At-Sunrice offers Diplomas in Culinary Arts, Diplomas in Pastry and Bakery, a Specialist Diploma in food Entrepreneurship, international diploma-degree pathways, private chef classes and short Continuing Education Modules (CEM) programmes. Their diploma students learn locally and globally with 6 months of their programme in a paid Overseas Industrial Attachment.
At-Sunrice offers a seamless progression with diploma-degree pathways for 5 universities worldwide: Johnson & Wales University (America), International College of Hotel Management (Australia), George Brown College (Canada), Technological and Higher Education Institute of HongKong (Hong Kong) and University of West London (United Kingdom).
The World Association of Chefs’ Societies, known as Worldchefs, is a dynamic global network of 110 chef associations worldwide. A leading voice in the hospitality industry, Worldchefs carries 91 years of history since its founding at the Sorbonne by the venerable Auguste Escoffier. Representing a mobilized international membership of culinary professionals, Worldchefs is committed to advancing the profession and leveraging the influence of the chef jacket for the betterment of the industry and humanity at large.
Worldchefs is dedicated to raising culinary standards and social awareness through these core focus areas:
Education – Worldchefs offers support for education and professional development through the landmark Worldchefs Academy online training program, a diverse network of Worldchefs Education Partners and curriculum, and the world’s first Global Hospitality Certification recognizing on-the-job skills in hospitality;
Networking – Worldchefs connects culinary professionals around the world through their online community platform and provides a gateway for industry networking opportunities through endorsed events and the biennial Worldchefs Congress & Expo;
Competition – Worldchefs sets global standards for competition rules, provides Competition Seminars and assurance of Worldchefs Certified Judges, and operates the prestigious Global Chefs Challenge;
Humanitarianism & Sustainability – Worldchefs Feed the Planet and World Chefs Without Borders programs relieve food poverty, deliver crisis support, and promote sustainability across the globe.
Each year on October 20th, we celebrate International Chefs Day. Since its creation, by the Late Chef Dr. Bill Gallagher in 2004, Worldchefs has committed to using International Chefs Day to celebrate our noble profession, always remembering that it is our duty to pass on our knowledge and culinary skills to the next generation of chefs with a sense of pride and commitment to the future.
Over the past years, Worldchefs has partnered with Nestlé Professional to teach children around the globe about the importance of healthy eating by hosting fun-filled workshops worldwide.
In 2020, many Chefs around the globe did not have the opportunity to have events due to COVID-19 and created short videos to share with children on social media, which became a big hit. The videos allowed us to reach approx.112,000 children. Unfortunately, uncertainty is still around many of us, but we will continue to reach as many children as possible either in-person at a workshop or through online learning and social media. To help, Nestlé Professional has made fantastic adaptions to the toolkit to make online learning easy and accessible.
As Chefs, we are all paying closer attention towards keeping ourselves and others healthy. Having a strong immune system and eating “stress-busting” foods will help us through these challenging times.
We can also help our children, the Worldchefs way by working together in Preparing Children for a Healthy Life. International Chefs Day will once again promote the theme: Healthy Food for the Future.
In 2021, International Chefs Day will also emphasize sustainability and the environment to ensure a healthy planet for future generations. It is vital for us to teach children about the impact that production and consumption of food has on the environment.
We will use this opportunity to teach children about healthy eating by letting them be creative with food. With the Chef’s input, education and help, children will be able to create recipes out of healthy foods and support Healthy Food for the Future.
HOW CAN YOU PARTICIPATE?
All Chefs from around the globe are invited to host their very own Healthy Food for the Future workshop in their region. It can be a workshop for your own children, or a workshop for 300 children, every child can benefit from this experience, and it is important to share this opportunity and message for them to learn and enjoy eating something new!
A toolkit with everything you need to run an event, from instructions to materials to recipes to social media tips, has been prepared for you. Thanks to the Chefs who contributed to the 2021 campaign by submitting recipes! The complete toolkit can be downloaded below. International Chefs Day Committee members and Nestlé Professional regional managers in selected areas are standing by to help you find a venue, connect with schools and more. Just ask, we are always here for you. Get started by downloading the toolkit
To host a Healthy Food for the Future workshop on or around October 20, 2021, please contact Vanessa Marquis, Chairman, International Chefs Day Committee at [email protected].
Download your toolkit today and join Chefs from around the world by sharing and making a big impact with the children in your community.
Vanessa Marquis, CEC
Chairman, International Chefs Day Committee “Worldchefs, Preparing Children for a Healthy Life” [email protected]
Programme Director (International Cuisine) – Hong Kong: International Culinary Institute (ICI)
International Culinary Institute (ICI)
ICI offers a wide range of quality professional culinary Programmes covering the cuisines of Europe, Mediterranean, Americas, Middle East and Asia as well as Bakery and Confectionary. Please visit www.ici.edu.hk for more information of this state-of-the-art Training Institute.
International Culinary Institute
Programme Director (International Cuisine)
Ref: VTC-PD(ICI)-2021
Major Duties:
To plan and monitor the curriculum design and development of various new and existing international culinary programmes of the International Culinary Institute;
To provide academic leadership in validation and accreditation of all culinary training programmes of the Institute;
To formulate and implement the Institute’s strategic development plan and projects;
To plan, review and manage the provision and utilisation of academic staff and resources;
To assist in developing and reviewing quality policies / procedures, and to monitor the academic quality of training programmes;
To drive the development of new services and culinary programmes to meet the needs of the stakeholders;
To establish and foster academic collaborations with industry partners, professional bodies and institutes both local and overseas; and
To carry out different managerial / administrative roles and ensure teaching duties are effectively assigned and deployed by the Institute.
Requirements:
A recognised degree and / or professional qualifications in the relevant discipline;
At least 8 years relevant experience at the appropriate level of responsibility in vocational education or industry experience at management level in hospitality / catering industry;
Good understanding of western cuisine trade test systems;
Solid experience in culinary management at senior executive level;
Proven records of professional development in culinary management and networking with the hospitality and catering industry;
Good understanding of the current and future development of vocational education in western and international cuisine;
Exceptional leadership and managerial skills, excellent interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work independently;
Good presentation and communication skills;
Knowledge in programme design, development, validation and accreditation of training programmes will be an advantage; and
Ability to pass a trade test.
Notes:
The post is in the rank of Senior Training Consultant under the VTC Grade and Rank System.
The appointee may be required to perform duties outside normal office hours.
In support of the Sexual Conviction Record Check (SCRC) Scheme launched by the Hong Kong Police Force, all prospective appointees will be requested to undergo the SCRC at the advanced stage of the employment process.
Benefits:
We offer a competitive remuneration package to the right candidate. Appointment will be made on contract and renewal is subject to staff performance and service need.
Housing allowance, passage and baggage allowance will be provided for eligible appointees whose current / normal places of residence is proven to be outside Hong Kong.
Application Procedures:
Please apply by email or post, with a resume and a cover letter, setting out your background and achievements in meeting the position requirements, quoting the position and ref. to Ms Patsy Cheung, Suite 610, 6/F Ocean Centre, 5 Canton Road, TST, Kowloon, Hong Kong. Email: [email protected]. The closing date of application is 28 July 2021.
For confidential enquiries, please contact Ms Patsy Cheung at +852 3180 4917.
Applicants not invited for interview within 10 weeks from the closing date may consider their applications unsuccessful. The Council reserves the right not to fill the post(s). Personal data collected will be used for recruitment purposes only. Information on unsuccessful candidates will normally be destroyed 12 months after the completion of the recruitment exercise.
Worldchefs Certified Judging Levels Expanded to Support Skills Development
The Worldchefs Culinary Committee has expanded Worldchefs Certified Judge levels to support the highest standards in culinary competitions and juries.
The new model provides additional opportunities for skills development in culinary competition judging.
Worldchefs Certified Judges will be issued updated Worldchefs’ certificates and digital badges matched to their new judging level. Individuals are encouraged to update their Worldchefs online profile for the most up-to-date information on the Worldchefs Certified Judge Directory.
Paris, 6 of July 2021 – The Worldchefs Culinary Competition Committee (CCC) has expanded Worldchefs Certified Judge levels to support the highest standards in culinary competitions and juries. The new model has been developed as part of the CCC’s mission to advance standards of excellence built on professionalism, leadership, and collaboration.
“The whole idea of the change was to modernize our approach to every changing aspect of the culinary world,” says Rick Stephen, Worldchefs Culinary Committee Chairman. “Keeping up with food and the world standards and the new challenges that face all food-related competitions with hygiene and food waste been paramount.”
The new levels will provide additional opportunities for skills development in culinary competition judging. Worldchefs Certified Judges can progress through the judging levels over the course of their career and culinary competition experience to reflect their commitment and expertise in the field.
The Culinary Committee has taken a dynamic approach to incorporate mentorship and peer learning into the new model. A Learner Judge-or Rookie Judge-level has been introduced to advance the future of juries, encouraging competitions around the globe to take a more active role in supporting the new guard of international competition standards.
“We envisage the opportunity to feature more traditional cuisines from our members’ regions and countries, but also to have these cuisines on the international stage and be judged by experts in that style of cuisine,” says Stephen.
Complete information on the application process and requirements to become a Worldchefs Certified Judge can be found here. A brief outline of the new judging levels is as follows:
Rookie / Learner Judge: Qualifying candidates with the necessary endorsements can serve at a Rookie / Learner Judge level. Proof of participation as a Rookie / Learner Judge at Worldchefs Endorsed Competitions can be used as supporting documents in applications for all Worldchefs Certified Judge levels.
Sponsored Judge: Qualified chefs recognized as experts from a reputable company or institution can serve at a Sponsored Judge level. Sponsored Judges are mentored by a Worldchefs Certified Judge prior to any event.
Worldchefs Certified Regional Judge: The Worldchefs Certified Regional Judge level is designed for culinary competition jurors with a local scope, not just limited to regional, but also international regions where your language or cuisine may be featured. This is a stepping stone to the next level.
Worldchefs Certified Continental Judge: The Worldchefs Certified Continental Judge level represents mid-level culinary professionals with some judging experience, including competitors with silver medal performance and/or a minimum of two years in a high-end restaurant environment. The Worldchefs Certified Continental Judge level has replaced the former B Judge level.
Worldchefs Certified International Judge: The Worldchefs Certified International Judge level represents senior-level culinary professionals with advanced judging experience, including competitors with silver medal performance and/or a minimum of five years in a high-end restaurant environment. The Worldchefs Certified International Judge level has replaced the former A Judge level. The new rules also allow for Worldchefs Certified International Judges to serve as observer judges.
Worldchefs Honorary / Life Judge: The Worldchefs Honorary / Life Judge level is awarded by the Worldchefs President for outstanding contributions to Worldchefs and competition programs. Recipients must be in good standing as a Worldchefs Certified Judge at any level.
Additional requirements for specialized credentials still apply for applications to judging categories, which now include: Culinary Arts & Hot Kitchen, Pastry Arts, Carving, Community Catering, and Vegan/Plant-Based Cuisine.
Current Worldchefs Certified Judges will be issued updated Worldchefs’ certificates and digital badges matched to their new judging level. Individuals are encouraged to update their Worldchefs online profile to ensure the most up-to-date information on the Worldchefs Certified Judge Directory.
From the Worldchefs Certified Judges Directory competition organizers, competitors, and colleagues can contact Worldchefs Certified Judge via their custom profile on Worldchefs online community platform.
To connect with Certified Judges, national associations, leading companies, and hospitality professionals around the globe, new users can create a free account within seconds at www.worldchefs.org/login.
-Ends-
ABOUT WORLDCHEFS
The World Association of Chefs’ Societies, known as Worldchefs, is a dynamic global network of 110 chef associations worldwide. A leading voice in the hospitality industry, Worldchefs carries 91 years of history since its founding at the Sorbonne by the venerable Auguste Escoffier. Representing a mobilized international membership of culinary professionals, Worldchefs is committed to advancing the profession and leveraging the influence of the chef jacket for the betterment of the industry and humanity at large.
Worldchefs is dedicated to raising culinary standards and social awareness through these core focus areas:
Education – Worldchefs offers support for education and professional development through the landmark Worldchefs Academy online training program, a diverse network of Worldchefs Education Partners and curriculums, and the world’s first Global Hospitality Certification recognizing on-the-job skills in hospitality;
Networking – Worldchefs connects culinary professionals around the world through their online community platform and provides a gateway for industry networking opportunities through endorsed events and the biennial Worldchefs Congress & Expo;
Competition – Worldchefs sets global standards for competition rules, provides Competition Seminars and assurance of Worldchefs Certified Judges, and operates the prestigious Global Chefs Challenge;
Humanitarianism & Sustainability – Worldchefs Feed the Planet and World Chefs Without Borders programs relieve food poverty, deliver crisis support, and promote sustainability across the globe.
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