SIT Cookery Students Gain Valuable Experience with Top Kiwi Chefs

Southern Institute of Technology's (SIT) Cookery students recently had the opportunity to work with some of New Zealand's finest chefs at the Scott Richardson Memorial Dinner. The event, held at Hansen Hall on August 8th and 9th, was a fundraiser to assist local students planning a career in the hospitality industry, while also remembering the mentoring of well-known SIT and Southland Boys' High School Hospitality/Cookery tutor, Scott Richardson. Top Kiwi chefs, including Peter Gordon, Javier Bassaletti, Julie Han, Henry Onesemo, Norka Mella Munoz, Bret Cameron, and Laura Metcalf, were in attendance, each taking charge of one of the seven courses. Two Level 4 and Level 3 Cookery students, Hery Sakti and Ciara Duffy, clocked up unforgettable experiences as they took part in the annual event. The students worked alongside the guest chefs, learning valuable skills and gaining confidence in a real-life dinner service.

Key Takeaways:

• The Scott Richardson Memorial Dinner provided a unique opportunity for SIT Cookery students to work with top Kiwi chefs, including Peter Gordon, Javier Bassaletti, and Henry Onesemo, gaining valuable experience and skills.
• Level 4 student Hery Sakti clocked up multiple jobs over the two days, including working with Chef Henry Onesemo on quail eggs and helping Peter Gordon fillet monkfish.
• Student Ciara Duffy worked on a technical dish, chocolate glazed domes, with a biscuit base, almond chocolate sponge, chocolate creme, gin jelly, and berries, learning new skills and techniques.
• The event provided a chance for students to work with a mixed group of Level 4s and high school students, pushing them to step outside their comfort zone and collaborate with new people.
• Guest chefs involved in the event were recognized for their professionalism, engagement, and respect shown to the students, with the SIT Programme Manager, Glenn Stridiron, acknowledging their commitment and contribution to the event's success.
• The Scott Richardson Memorial Dinner was well-staffed, with credit given to SIT staff for their high level of commitment and dedication to making the event a success.

Statistics:

• 8 guest chefs participated in the event, including Peter Gordon, Javier Bassaletti, Julie Han, Henry Onesemo, Norka Mella Munoz, Bret Cameron, and Laura Metcalf.
• 2 Level 4 and Level 3 Cookery students participated in the event, gaining valuable experience and skills in a real-life dinner service.
• The event involved a team of approximately 100 people, including SIT staff, local high school students, and guest chefs.
• The dinner service was a 7-course meal, with each chef taking charge of one course.
• The event raised funds to assist local students planning a career in the hospitality industry, with a focus on creating opportunities for students to learn and grow.

Sources:

• Southern Institute of Technology (SIT) Cookery students and faculty
• Scott Richardson Memorial Dinner organizers
• Guest chefs participating in the event (Peter Gordon, Javier Bassaletti, Julie Han, Henry Onesemo, Norka Mella Munoz, Bret Cameron, and Laura Metcalf)
• SIT Programme Manager, Glenn Stridiron