Testing times for trainees

That time has come when trainees at the Hospitality and Tourism Training Centre in Turangi put their knowledge and skills to the test, a live test.
Starting Monday at 12.30pm, the trainees cooked up and served lunch to 15 invited guests. The 12 trainee chefs prepared a three course meal which was served by the 10 Food and Beverage trainees at the Centre’s Kai Reka restaurant.
Cook Islands Herald members sat down to eat with the Centre’s manager Tony Tou and LSG Sky Chefs chief John Taripo.
Tou explained that the trainees had completed their course to certificate level, which had taken 6 months. Over the next two weeks they would be cooking up and serving all the dishes they had learnt to prepare under Weltec (NZ) Master Chef Jim Collins and Food and Beverage tutor from Weltec, Martin Whales. In July, the trainees would commence their Diploma level course which would also take 6 months. It is a London City and Guilds qualification which will enable them to gain employment locally and overseas.
The three course meal comprised an entrée, Main and Dessert with assorted Teas and Coffee also fruit juices and smoothies along with a wine list. Bread rolls, butter and water were also provided.
This writer had a Mushroom Risotto, Balsamic Reduction entrée, Fettucine Carbonara, Bacon, Mushroom, Cheese and Creamy Sauce as a main followed by a Lemon Meringue Pie, Cream Chantilly for dessert. Two fruit smoothies and a flat white coffee.
The meal was delicious, presented well and filling. The service and attention was professional.

Herald Issue 463 10 June
- World famous activist assisting residents
- Budget will decide if residents prosecute Government over landfill
- Forestry project sucking Mangaia dry
- Budget 2010 – fiasco or disaster?