March 9th, 2010
Taste of Sydney, the foodie event of the summer, is returning to Sydney this March 11-14, 2010 even bigger and better than last year. Sydney’s top chefs, the finest artisan producers and discerning gourmands will be mingling in the beautiful surrounds of Centennial Parklands.
The hardest decisions at Taste of Sydney will be what to eat and where to head! Where else can you sample an entrée from Marque, a main from Aria and a dessert from Bécasse? At Taste of Sydney, discover a tasting menu of 50 dishes from the city’s finest restaurants. Over 4 days, Centennial Parklands is transformed into a culinary haven where visitors will have the opportunity to dream up their ultimate degustation menu while discovering fine wines and specialty food and drink at the Taste Producers Market.
Taste Kitchen
Watch the professionals in action. Sydney’s award-winning chefs will conduct cooking demonstrations, sharing the secrets of their favourite dishes and offering tips and advice for those who are serious about food.
Want to know the tricks of the trade from the experts? This is where to do it.
Purveyors will also be on hand to unveil the latest food trends and talk about where to source the best produce.Â
Taste Sydney 2009
Join one of the many featured chefs for a chat over a glass of wine and canapes. Find out how Mark Best of Marque Restaurant began his career and quiz Giovanni Pilu of Pilu at Freshwater on where he finds the best seafood. Perhaps Miguel Maestre of El Toro Loco will reveal the secret to a good sangria.
Taste Wine
Whether you are a complete beginner or an experienced wine connoisseur, polish your palate with the wine experts, wine producers and sommeliers at this showcase of the best red, white, sparkling and dessert wines.
Sessions include a Chandon sparkling masterclass, pinot at 10 paces and sommelier showdown.
Producers’ Market
More than 100 food and drink stalls will be dotted around the park showcasing wine, beer, meats and many other speciality foods. Suppliers include McGuigan Wines, Pukara Estate Olive Oil, Movenpick of Switzerland, Bultarra Saltbush Lamb, Yarra Valley Dairy and Sparkle Cupcakery.
World-class cuisine
Mini kitchens from 16 restaurants will serve miniature versions of their award-winning dishes, some traditional favourites and enticing new offerings.
Celebrity chefs
Many chefs wear more than one hat these days, spreading their talents to television shows and writing books. Among the famous faces will be Aria’s Matt Moran and Guillaume Brahimi, who heads up Guillaume at Bennelong.
Tags: Aria, Becasse, chef, Culinary, dining, drinks, El Toro Loco, Entertainment, food, Food and Beverage, Guillaume at Bennelong, Hospitality, Marque, Pilu, Sydney, Taste Sydney 2010
Posted in Hostec General, Talent Solutions | No Comments »
March 8th, 2010
Adam Melonas
Adam Melonas is an Australian chef of Greek heritage. Currently Head Creative Chef at the 2 Michelin Star La Terraza Del Casino, Adam held his first Head Chef position at London fine dining restaurant “Otto’s” at the age of 19. Adam has also held various positions at Sunbar Restaurant and Lounge (Brisbane, Australia), Shangri-La Hotel Dubai (UAE), Shangri-La Hotel Pudong (China) and the Burj al Arab in Dubai (UAE).
Melonas is the lone Australian representative in a team working in an experimental food lab, charged with sourcing new products and techniques from around the world as well as cooking as part of El Bulli catering. Melonas works under Paco Roncero, currently considered one of Spain’s top chefs and admits that it is his “dream job”. Developing and exchanging ideas is very important to him and so he spends 2 weeks a season at the world famous El Bulli to exchange new ideas and techniques.
Having lived, worked and travelled extensively to 5 of the world’s 6 habitable continents, this exposure has given Adam a depth of knowledge in terms of both ingredients and cooking styles that is unmatched for a person his age. He writes his own blog, using it to share all of his latest creations, discoveries and innovations as they happen.
“I like to think of food as you do people, you must treat them all differently as every person has different needs. You cannot cook or prepare products all the same just because they are food.” – Adam Melonas
Tags: Adam Melonas, El Bulli
Posted in Hostec General, Talent Solutions | No Comments »
March 5th, 2010
Hostec welcomes Phillip Chavez to the traineeships division. He is the youngest member of the team and will be supporting the group as a junior administrator/office all rounder. It is his first office experience since graduating from high school. Some interesting facts about Phillip are that his parents are Chilean and he speaks Spanish fluently. At Hostec, Phillip is learning the ways of the corporate environment and gaining valuable skills that will help him for his future.
Tags: Hospitality Traineeships, Hostec, Opportunities, Traineeship, Traineeships
Posted in Hostec General, Traineeships | No Comments »
March 4th, 2010
AIME has become a must-attend event on the meetings and incentives industry calendar and this year’s record attendance over the 2nd and 3rd of March was great to see.
There, apart of the record numbers, were Hostec staff members Kerry Healy and Alistair Shackman. Kerry and Alistair throughly enjoyed their time attending AIME and networking with great contacts whilst in Melbourne.
AIME 2010 showcased over 800 exhibitors, 195 new companies including Lufthansa German Airlines, Delta Airlines, Visit London and Leading Hotels of the World.
This year it is estimated that AIME has attracted $400million in business travel expenditure booked by attendees! With AIME’s growing popularity and excellent networking opportunities we will be sure to attend again next year and hope to see you there!
Posted in Hostec General | No Comments »
March 4th, 2010
With summer sadly coming to an end over the weekend, I thought I should tackle the task of having one last dinner in one of Sydney’s hot spots (tough life!). As the late sunsets will become fewer and fewer, I got myself down to Woolloomooloo with my lovely family on Friday night for a taste of Spanish tapas at Velero. The evening started well with a taste of bubbles and fresh cured meats, but with every expectation to experience provincial Spain the excitement of the meal stopped there.
Velero proved to have a great menu with an extensive list of tapas, market fresh fish, grilled meats matched with imported Spanish wines. However the meals did not meet my Hostec taste buds quite how I had hoped. I ordered the beautiful Riverina fillet from the grill (pictured) and while it looked delicious it was indeed overcooked. Family members opted for the more traditional Spanish paella (also pictured) and while one said the mix of prawns, mushrooms, clams and chili was the perfect blend with our selection of wines, another believed it was dry. On the plus side the atmosphere was relaxed and peaceful, warm and friendly hospitality was ensured with our dining experience being thoroughly enjoyable. A mixture of Spanish cheeses, cinnamon and hazelnut sorbet saw the end of the night with small portions but were complemented by red and white wines.
For my final summer night Velero did get the Hostec tick of approval. I saw the sun set over the wharf, the waiters catered to our needs, and while the food fell a little flat, there was a great vibe in the area that people of all ages can appreciate.
Paella: Spanish rice w chorizo, prawns, mussels, clams, saffron & chilli
Riverina beef fillet served with Spinach and Paprika butter
Tags: Hospitality, Hostec, Sydney, Velero, Woolloomooloo
Posted in Hostec General | No Comments »
March 3rd, 2010
On Saturday 27th February, a couple Hostec members thought they’d test their skills at SLAM Volleyball on Manly Beach. Celebrating their 10th anniversary this year, the summer beach festival proved a must do. With teams dressed in fancy dress accompanied by musical mayhem, we gathered at Sydney’s Manly to check out the atmosphere and test our luck at a few games of volleyball. With a theme of op shop, there was everything from The Flinstones, army boys, mad hatters and the brightest and smallest bikinis.
While our Hostec members team didn’t win quite as many rounds as hoped (nothing to do with a huge lack of practice), the day was thoroughly enjoyed while listening to the mix of DJs, seeing the costumes, and spending the day in sun. SLAM still has a competition in Cronulla on March 13th, if you are keen to get play some volleyball and have some fun - be sure to click on the link above.
Hostec gets involved with SLAM Volleyball Festival
Tags: Hostec, Sydney
Posted in Hostec General | No Comments »
March 3rd, 2010
Training Solutions Team
Michelle Thelning – Business Development Manager
“Originally from New Zealand; like so many other Kiwis, I have now been living in Australia for the past ten years. My passion and drive for the hospitality industry began for me when I started working part time in a selection of bars and pubs in New Zealand.
In 2001 I moved to Australia to live in Tasmania, Hobart. This is where I began working in Mures Restaurant located on the famous Hobart Waterfront on the upper deck restaurant and also the lower deck bistro aiming for and securing a supervisory role. Since moving to Sydney, I have brought with me my knowledge and drive for the hospitality industry and continued my connection with the industry as a Business Development Manager for Hostec.
In my role, I focus on forming relationships with clients and finding the correct solution to the needs of their business. With our vast scope of courses, we can tailor and construct a program ranging from one day to six weeks ultimately upskilling and training both domestic and international students. I have always prided myself on the level of client support I offer and with my knowledge and commitment to vocational education; Hostec, the team and myself are very excited for 2010 training solutions.”
Posted in Hostec General | No Comments »
March 2nd, 2010
The day in Melbourne began with the AIME Business Events Forum and Opening Ceremony. Exhibitions followed from 10am at the Melbourne Exhibitions Centre, with Master Classes being conducted in the auditorium.
Tonight Club AIME will be held at Lagerfeld Bar, Crown Entertainment Complex and allow visitors to AIME to network and let their hair down.
Tomorrow will be day two show-casing Saxtons Ultimate Event Experience and further opportunities for attendees to view exhibitions and network with fellow guests.
Posted in Hostec General | No Comments »
March 1st, 2010
Last week, was an especially joyous one at Hostec. We celebrated the birthdays of Niz and Jemma. On Thursday  afternoon, the Hostec crew sauntered over to The Office Hotel on Kent Street where we had a nice birthday lunch for Niz. The menu had classic favourites, and I had my usual the steak sandwich and chips.
That evening, the celebration continued with drinks at Establishment Bar. It worked out perfectly because it was ladies night, which entitled women to two free glasses of champagne. We exchanged jovial conversation over drinks. The ambiance was very sophisticated with the cool sounds of light jazz and house music. People were dressed from all walks to corporate to nightlife glamour. It was such a great day to celebrate with the Hostec crew.
The celebration continues. That Saturday, a few of us went out for Jemma’s birthday. We had a pre clubbing dinner at the Ivy Bar and made our way over to Club Retro. The floors had different themes ranging from 80s to 90s music. My favourite was the 80s floor, as most songs in this decade were great. We danced the night away and that was the end to such a festive week.
Yours truly,
Yewande
Tags: dining, drinks, Entertainment, food, Sydney, Sydney CBD
Posted in Hostec General | No Comments »
February 26th, 2010
People love dealing with staff who truly love their job! Be excited when you welcome them, passionate when you when you communicate verbally or when using your body language, and show enthusiasm describing the benefits of your facilities and services. This WILL engage them.
You will never be criticised for doing too much for a customer! – Commit to creating a wow factor for your customers/ guests. Whether you make a courtesy call to newly arrived guest to advise of any specials in the restaurant, organise VIP treatment on their birthday, or provide a personal telephone wake up call, you have the power to make their day.
Acknowledge everyone – even if it’s a quick eye contact! – 92% of customers leave service providers as they feel being taken for granted. If you see customers/guest approaching while you are serving another customer always ensure you create eye contact with those who will have to wait while adding “ I will be with you shortly Sir/Madam”. They can see you are busy and just like you to acknowledge their presence.
Present yourself – well groomed with excellent posture. People love dealing with those who come across as professional and confident.
Products come and products got. Going the extra mile in your service delivery is what creates true value in the eyes of your customer, develop satisfaction and loyalty. Be sure to build /update your guest profile and use guest specific information to deliver personalised service.
Yours truly,
The Traineeships Team
Tags: Hospitality Careers, Hospitality Traineeships, Hostec, Hotel jobs, Hotels, Jobs, Traineeship, Traineeships, Wait Skills
Posted in Hostec General, Traineeships | No Comments »
