Hilton Executive Chef Gary Johnson, Iron Chef Hiroyuki Sakai & Hostec Academy Cookery Student Jiraporn Oneplee

It was the weekend of Iron Chef, as two of the stars of the cult Japanese cooking television show whipped up a feast for almost 400 guests at the Hilton Sydney.

Three hundred episodes of Iron Chef were filmed between 1993 and 1999, when the show ended, but repeats continue to be screened every Saturday night in Australia on SBS. The show was also a cult hit in the US and its popularity led to a spin-off version there in 2004.

Iron Chef Hiroyuki Sakai & Hostec's Remi Descamps

In each episode of the Japanese show, a contestant chef challenges one of the Iron Chefs, who are specialists in certain cuisines, to engage in a “battle” or cook-off. They are then given a mystery ingredient they must use in every dish of a multi-course meal that they produce in one hour.

Chen Kenichi, the master of the spicy Chinese cuisine, has fought 97 “battles” on the show and has won about 75 per cent of them. Hiroyuki Sakai, who specialises in French cooking, has an even more formidable record, winning 70 out of 86 battles.

From the press event on Friday through to the theatrical dinner on Sunday night, the chefs’ performance alone seemed enough to “win the people’s ovation and fame forever”, as the host of the TV show declares in every episode.

It’s a bit crazy at the moment but organisation is the key. We’ve got three assignments from each subject which is a decent effort of study a week. Then I have three or so shifts a week at work and trying to catch up with mates, see the family, eat, drink, sleep and hopefully give myself a little time to relax! It doesn’t sound like much but there never seems to be enough time in a day to do all you need!

I live out west so unfortunately I have over an hour train ride to and from the city for each day for college and this cold weather makes it very tempting to stay in bed! However, the train does give me time to read over my notes and listen to music or even catch up on sleep! Yes, sadly I am a part of the commuting cult that falls asleep during the journey, occasionally finding a comfy spot on the shoulder of the person next to me.

As eventful and unpredictable as my days are, there is no other way I would rather spend my time learning and working. Working at Crowne Plaza is great as well. It’s such a fun place to start and learn in plus, working within an entertaining team of people makes every shift enjoyable.

I stress and I do struggle with managing everything but we all do because that’s how we learn… and really that is the life of a student in Sydney! Stress. Struggle. Accomplishment. Growth.

Danielle. X

On Monday 4th May, I along with a fellow student Anthony represented Hostec at the 13th Annual NSW Australian Hotels Association Awards. Hosted by the amazingly unique Hilton Sydney, the night was eagerly anticipated by all. Over 500 guests attended, so frocked up in our classy outfits, we had the role to assist guests in seating or any other enquiries.

We met and were introduced to many interesting people who are highly recognised within the Hospitality Accommodation industry, including general managers and the elite of all departments from many of NSW most recognised hotels. I thought it was a great opportunity to network with potential employers!

Hosted by the hilarious Mikey Robbins, the night was one of a kind. My most memorable awards included:
Bar of the Year - Blue Bar, Shangri-La Hotel Sydney
Deluxe Hotel Accommodation of the Year – The Observatory Hotel

The Shangri-La Sydney and the Wolgan Valley Resort and Spa were constant winners of the night.

Unfortunately, we weren’t guests for the dinner and missed out on the delectable meals. However, once the presentation was over we were off duty and able to relax. The evening ended as we enjoyed classy cocktails and mingled with Hostec’s corporate.

As a student, the Hilton Sydney presented a thoroughly organised and highly professional front, a level that I constantly study and work towards. This event was a great opportunity to mingle with and recognise NSW hospitality professionals. An opportunity only available due to Hostec’s strong value and reputation within the Industry!

So thankyou Hostec!

Until next time,

Danielle

The special ingredient for the Feast in a Flash meal was Tuna. The chefs had 10 minutes to create a special dish. While cooking, Dominique and Matt shared their best tuna secrets that we can’t wait to try! Check out the Ready Steady Cook website for all the awesome recipes used on the show!

Amanda George, Scott Falconer, and Hostec students with Host, Peter Everett

Although it’s not widely known what Jamie was doing on our shores (that’s the secret), our Students had the pleasure of catching some of his filming at Brassier Bread.

Based in Banksmeadow, Brassier Bread has long been supplying artesian bread to the Sydney’s leading restaurants, cafes and deli’s. They also lead the charge on sharing the tradition of bread baking through their many hands on classes.

Brassier Bread is home to a number of Hostec Academy Patisserie students on their work placement.

Our Academy students sure are meeting cookery royalty these days!!

My name is Danielle Raunjak. I was lucky enough to successfully win the 2010 Advanced Diploma of Hospitality Scholarship at Hostec International Academy! I have just completed my Year 12 studies at Bede Polding College in Windsor and look forward to a full packed adventurous year! I have recently become and food and beverage attendant at Crowne Plaza Norwest where I am learning everyday about myself and the best service I can give. Inserted is a photo of me working New Years Eve at Crowne Plaza! I enjoy work so much I find it hard to call it work! In my spare time I believe there is nothing better to do than eat delicious food and socialize with my unforgettable family and friends. I live about an hour west out of the city, so the hour and a half train ride may be exhausting but is well worth the culture and hussle and bussle of Sydney. I love China Town and Paddy’s Markets and couldn’t think of a better meeting spot than a good Yum Cha restaurant! My Dad was born in Austria whilst Mum was born in Fiji with Chinese, Samoan and Tongan running through her. I think the different cultures and traditions I have grown up around have allowed me to love Australia for its diversity and also made me grateful for what this amazing country has to offer.

I discovered Hostec through the annual Careers Expo held for Year 10 and 12 students at the Kingswood campus for UWS. This careers market changed my direction of schooling dramatically as I soaked up all information I could on colleges and courses for hospitality. I truly think that exposing yourself to resources such as careers expeditions and any information careers advisors give is the best advantage you can get in finding out what’s right for you. Hospitality has unconsciously been a way of life to me. I have grown up around great food, experienced many holidays from travelling to Fiji to camping down at the local river and always felt a reward in making people happy.

I can’t tell you what this year will hold for me, but I know it will go fast. I’m excited to meet both the international and domestic students I will be studying with and cant wait to develop myself and work within some of Sydney’s greatest hotels. I will update my blog regularly to keep you posted on the fun times and quirky tales of my life as a student. Becoming apart of Hostec I believe I am one step closer to where I want to be and I know that the teachers, resources and contacts Hostec has will enable me to grow as a person and within hospitality. I cant wait!

For now,

Danielle
X

Read her full story here, plus contact us on 02 8002 0235 for further information on our commercial cookery courses.

As part of Cuisine NOW, Chef Roux participated in a selection of activities including Masterclasses, Chef in the City lunches/dinners and a spectacular Gala Dinner.

Chef Roux of 3 Michelin star Waterside Inn in the UK, was a special Guest Chef at Altitude Restaurant at the 5 star Shangri-la Hotel, home to a number of Hostec Commercial Cookery students. Not only are our students getting hands on experience in one of Australia’s leading restaurants, they were sharing the kitchen with one of the most respected, and well known Chef’s in the world!!

A big congratulations to our students, and please feel free to pass on any secrets Chef Roux may have shared with you.

We also have an early registration offer with the chance to win a laptop computer worth $1650.

To reserve your place now and go into the draw to win your own laptop, email Head Teacher Trish Fairbourn on t.fairbourn@hosetc.com

Image – laptop winner Ms Atchariyaporn Tungpitijira with Academy General Manager Andrew Ugarte

With the ACU partnership, the Hostec Academy now offers our students degree pathways to three major university qualifications. Students have the opportunity to complete a Bachelor of International Hotel Management at the International College of Hotel Management in Adelaide, a Bachelor of Business through the Southern Cross University at various campuses in NSW and QLD, and now a Bachelor of Commerce at ACU in Melbourne, Sydney or Brisbane.

This is an exciting opportunity for the Academy and our students, ensuring our graduates have the opportunity to continue their studies at leading universities in Australia.

Click here for full details on our degree pathways