News: Top chef Hira passes on his culinary skills to students
We were delighted to welcome back former student, turned professional chef, Hira Thakur, this week (24 Feb) when he took charge of Fletchers Restaurant and treated diners to an impressive six-course tasting menu.
The College’s commercial training restaurant, based at the City Hub, is usually staffed by students who are being trained as part of their hospitality and catering courses, but for this special takeover event, they got to work alongside Hira, learning new techniques, including how to make fresh tortellini.
After completing the Professional Chefs Diploma at College in 2015, Hira quickly excelled. He currently holds the position of Head Chef and Kitchen Director at The Old Volunteer in Caythorpe, and you may also recognise him from the last series of MasterChef: The Professionals.
Hoping to inspire trainee chefs at the College, Hira’s modern British/Asian inspired menu included: Beetroot and fennel cured salmon, watermelon, cucumber and wasabi, followed by salt aged duck breast, miso hispi cabbage, plum and five spice jus. For desserts he served rhubarb and custard tart, as well as chocolate miso. All proceeds from the evening will go directly to the College to help support the students’ learning experience.
It’s great to be back at the College, especially cooking in the new Fletchers Restaurant, which is very impressive. I’ve been back to the College several times now, and each and every time I’m amazed by the enthusiasm and skills of the students. Hopefully, I’ve taught them something new and introduced them to some new techniques and flavours that they may not have tried before.
— Hira Thakur
Studying the Professional Chefs Diploma Level 2, Ben Beardsley, 17, said:
It’s been such a valuable experience cooking alongside Hira. He was so helpful and offered lots of advice about the industry. Knowing that he started off at College like me helps me to believe that I can progress and work my way up to a leadership position too.
— Ben
Published on:
- 25th February 2022 (12:35 PM)
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