Empower
World Class Chefs visit the Dilmah MJFCF’s Empower Culinary Training Centre
Three renowned chefs – Selvana Chelvanaigum, Head Pastry Chef at Vue De Monde, Sean Collins, Executive Chef at Novotel Brisbane and Volker Marecek, Executive Chef at Langham Hotel in Auckland have visited the Empower Culinary Hospitality and Inspirational School. As experts in the field of culinary arts, these three MJFCF heroes imparted their knowledge and skills and dedicated their time to teach the budding young chefs at the culinary school.
Selvana Chelvanaigum who enjoys giving the traditional dish a modern twist, and boasts more than a decade of experience in patisserie, gave the students a lecture on desserts and demonstrated the art of sugar work, piping techniques and chocolate work with cupcakes and marshmallows. Sean Collins, who has extensive knowledge in handling and procuring food and beverages and as well food production and service, gave the kids an essential introduction to seafood storing and handling. He also conducted a hands-on tea gastronomy lesson at the centre, teaching students how to make tea inspired Japanese scallop on green pea puree, cinnamon spiced tea and vinaigrette and candied spec crumble. Volker Marecek, who was a guest judge on the reality show MasterChef New Zealand and has 15 years of experience as an Executive Chef under his belt, showed the young chefs how to make fresh pasta and how to whip up a tea inspired Pasta Meat Strudel with fermented Ran Watta Tea.
During their visit, the three chefs cooked a delicious meal for the kids at the National Centre for Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Disorders. They, got together with the students of the Empower Culinary Hospitality and Inspirational School to prepare a phenomenal afternoon high tea for the grand celebration held to commemorate the First Decade of MJF Kids. The dishes included, but certainly weren’t limited to: scrumptious salted caramel lollipop macaroons, green tea and jasmine flower dusted poached salmon on crostini with apple relish and lively lime and orange sago pudding with citrus crisps.
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A Unique an Exclusive Curriculum
The Culinary Training Unit at the centre is built to the standards of a commercialized kitchen, equipped with the latest technology and kitchenware needed to train chefs in all areas, such as hot and cold cooking and baking.
The Swashakthi Tea Room and Bakery
A unique initiative by the MJF Charitable Foundation under the Women’s Development program, the Swashakthi Tea Room and Bakery set up at the MJF Centre in Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, offers a variety of wholesome organic food at an affordable price.
The Young Aspiring Chefs
19 year old R. Vijeyakumara is chasing a dream. His dream is to become like the celebrity chef, Peter Kuruvita, someday. Vijeyakumara finds the life story of this world famous chef very motivating; particularly how he started his culinary training at the young age of 15, Vijeyakumara says.
Settlor of the Empower Culinary Hospitality and Inspirational School
Thirty four years after his impossible dream, he decided to launch his own brand. In his first press interview in Australia prior to the launch, he said, today, tea is a cheap commodity, I will bring integrity back to tea
Governors of the Empower Culinary Hospitality and Inspirational School
His signature style of waterside locations and fresh quality seafood spiced with his cultural flavors can also be experienced in Australia at Noosa Beach House, his restaurant partnership with Sheraton Noosa Resort.
Empower Culinary & Hospitality School receives prestigious WorldChefs Certification
The Empower Culinary & Hospitality School, Sri Lanka’s premier culinary and hospitality facility, which creates new avenues for underprivileged and marginalised youth with empowerment through education in the gastronomy and hospitality industry of Sri Lanka was granted World Association of Chefs Societies (WACS) recognition.
Empower Culinary & Hospitality School’s inaugural batch graduates
The Empower Culinary & Hospitality School felicitated its inaugural batch consisting 13 young chefs at a gala graduation night held on February 7 at the school premises. Witnessing this milestone in their lives were Governors of the School -Bernd Uber, Peter Kuruvita, Rohan Fernandopulle