International chefs of the future have come to Bath to experience cuisine lessons from their overseas peers based at the City of Bath College.
Catering students from Bath and Italy have come together to learn from each other in a cultural exchange.
A group of 15 trainee chefs from C.F.P.A. Casargo in the province of Lecco spent five days at City of Bath College in what will hopefully be the first of many exchange trips.
The 16 and 17-year-old students spent most of their time in the kitchens working alongside City of Bath College students to prepare the food for The Shrubbery restaurant.
The students were ‘buddied up’ to not only help prepare and cook the meals, but also to act as waiting staff and serve the meals to staff, students and members of the public.
Italian student Alessia Ferranti, 17, was picking up a few new tips and techniques while making pastries.
She said: “I love cooking and I am learning so much from students here. We are teaching each other new skills.
The Italian students were accompanied by five members of staff, including their College Director Marco Cimino.
He said: “We are very happy we could be part of this class exchange. Our students have learned new techniques of English cooking, as well as improving their English and making new friends.”
The visiting students stayed with host families in Bath and also visited London and Stonehenge.
Head of Catering Bridget Halford said she hoped the two colleges could build on their relationship and that the Bath students could take a trip to Italy in the future.
She said: “We were very pleased to welcome the students and show them around the College. It’s a great opportunity for us all to share ideas and practices.”
