Empower
Bocuse d’Or Silver Medalist inspires budding Chefs at the Empower Culinary & Hospitality School, Moratuwa
Cooking up inspiration at the Empower Culinary & Hospitality School, Bocuse d’Or Silver Medalist in ‘97 Chef Roland Debuyst visited ECHS at the MJF Foundation Centre, Moratuwa. Ready to empower budding chefs, this award winning Chef from Belgium was ready to showcase his skills and spill culinary trade secrets!
Chef Roland Debuyst known to be a tireless worker and keen competitor emerged first in the Prosper Montagné Competition (Belgium’s Leading Chefs’ Competition), and thereon advanced to win Silver at Bocuse d’Or in 1997. His culinary tales of success continue with him taking over Mariadal brasserie in Zaventem, which was awarded a Bib gourmand by the Michelin Guide in 2009. Adding more to his plate, he took on yet another challenge as co-founder of the BeBurger Venutre, and later created “Brasserie Alfons” in 2016 - a restaurant which focuses on high quality meats and artisanal products.
Whilst showcasing his awe-inspiring culinary skills at the ECHS, he utilised fresh organic produce picked by hand, from the organic garden maintained by Dilmah Conservation. As a chef who values high quality artisanal products, Chef Roland Debuyst was no stranger to Dilmah Tea and added that Tea as an ingredient pairs well with meat and dessert - in particular, when the tea is brewed strong.
The students further got to hear personal anecdotes from his culinary journey, and were left awe-struck at his passion for cooking, which to him is one of the major factors that contribute to becoming a good chef. Finally, spilling a trade secret; he added that while remembering to cook with a passion is important - it is also important to respect the product being used, this way, no guest will ever leave one’s restaurant unsatisfied!
Much was learnt, more was tasted - inspiration was brewed and shared. Find out how you can empower someone through our Ethical Tea Society, here: https://www.mjffoundation.org/ethical-tea-society/
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