The Hurst Campus offers a widely respected culinary course within the context of fun and family. This week was a perfect example of the fun students have while studying here.

Lectures came to a standstill this week as the Year 2 Students hosted their Cuisines of the World Practical Tables to an external panel of Judges. The esteemed panel included food personalities including Chef Morne from the Blacksmith Kitchen, Chef Pete Goffe Wood from The Grande Roche Hotel, Chef Garth from the well known Joostenberg Deli, Chef Christiaan from Boschendal and local wine maker James McKenzie.

The judging criteria included the table setting with props and music which created the look and feel of the country, creativity in plating their 5 traditional dishes and selection of side dishes and the actual flavours, seasoning and texture. They also had to showcase the typical beverages that would be served with their meal.

The project entailed researching the cultural and culinary traditions of the country they had drawn out of a pot a few months earlier. Each team of 2 students had to give a verbal presentation of their research before carefully selecting which dishes they would cook for the practical exam.

The students performed to an exemplary level, and everyone enjoyed themselves. The event proved to be an international culinary showcase, allowing us all to sample the best each country has to offer by way of their cuisine.

We enjoyed Bitterballen from Holland, Mole from Mexico, Tagine from Morocco, Hot and Sour Soup from Thailand, Duck Ramen from Japan, Meze from Turkey, Espetada from Portugal, Cassoulet from France, Kung Po from China, Paella from Spain, Souvlaki from Greece, Pho from Vietnam and Korma from India.

All the food was delicious and the competition is fierce! The winning team will be announced at our annual graduation ceremony on the 26 November 2019. Best of luck to everyone and well done for a fabulous day of food and fun.

Written in collaboration with Hurst Campus Founder, Rebecca Hurst.