Wednesday saw an exciting new addition to the catering department’s repertoire in the form of a top-of-the-range Thermomix and fine dining plates.
The incredibly generous donation from the Bristol Hoteliers Association supports our students, furthers their learning and enhances their experience in the kitchen at our College Green Centre.
Raphael Herzog, General Manager at De Vere Tortworth Court and Chairman of Bristol Hoteliers Association and Greg Csikos, General Manager at Hampton by Hilton Bristol City Centre and Treasurer of Bristol Hoteliers Association were in attendance to present the highly-anticipated equipment to the students.
The association typically donates to charity, but this time around, they chose to support the college with their donation to invest in our student’s progression.
Ryan Fernandes, Catering lecturer and Des Smith, Hospitality & Service lecturer spoke about how the Thermomix has been on their wish list for a long time, in addition to the plates; equipment that will certainly elevate diner’s experience in the City Restaurant. Ryan commented: “It really will do justice for my dinners now” to which Raphael replied: “Even my own chef was jealous of the Thermomix and asked when he was going to be getting one!”
The official presentation also offered the opportunity for students to ask Raphael and Greg any burning questions that they had surrounding working in the hospitality sector, as well as discussing their future plans with two industry professionals who have a wealth of diverse experience between them.
The students who are progressing on to Level 3 will conclude their time with City of Bristol College this time next year. One of our students has a dream to work within luxury gastronomy at Michelin level, whilst many other students have plans to progress in their current places of work in hotels, restaurants and cafés. The world really is their oyster.
Raphael offered advice to the students, saying: “Be patient, I think that’s one thing; just always build your experience because whatever you gain is what you need afterwards to be a fantastic chef. If you want to open your own business one day, you need to learn about the finest aspect of food because there’s lots of different things that you can develop in your younger career that will help you to be a very, very good, high-level, Manager, GM, Head Chef or whatever you want.”
The duo were also on hand to talk through their experience of running hotels and the benefits that come part and parcel with this corner of hospitality.
Raphael stated: “Try to see as much as you can, that’s a perfect opportunity for all of you guys. Don’t get stuck in in just one way; that’s the beauty of hotels because you see different things, everything from a wedding to a large banquet to fine dining; it allows you to find your own way.”
City of Bristol College is extremely grateful to Bristol Hoteliers Association for their generous donation and we are excited to see what indulgent dishes and culinary creations our fantastic students can whip up with the top-of-the-range Thermomix.
