IUE TRAINS STARS WHO WILL PROMOTE AEGEAN CUISINE WORLDWIDE
Izmir University of Economics (IUE) draws attentions with projects that will carry Aegean Cuisine to the international arena. 6 of the prospective young chefs studying at IUE Department of Culinary Arts and Management will be trained at Lyon, France, known as the Capital City of Chefs, by Michelin Starred chefs. While young prospective chefs will learn tips to achieve a Michelin Star for Aegean Cuisine, their careers will also acquire a new dimension.
French Michelin Starred Chef Joseph Viola, who visited IUE as part of Achieving a Star for Aegean Cuisine Project, stated that 6 IUE young chefs, to be selected for internship, would be receiving training at starred restaurants where they would learn about world cuisine.
Viola, who conducted a workshop to share his expertize with the young chefs, had a chance to taste exquisite flavours of Aegean Cuisine and stated that worldwide recognition of Turkish cuisine would increase with the efforts of prospective chefs. Chef Viola, owner of 2 Michelin Starred restaurants in France said, “Lyon is a city with many world famous restaurants. I was awarded the title of ‘Best Chef of France’ in 2004. This competition is held every four years and approximately 800 chefs apply for it. They all compete in order to achieve the prestige award. 50 chefs make it to the finals, eventually narrowing it down to 3 chefs. The winner holds the title of 'Meilleur Ouvrier de France' for life. It is a difficult process but very flattering at the same time. 6 student chefs to be selected from Izmir University of Economics will receive training at Michelin Starred restaurants next summer. They will learn the process of introducing the rich structure of Turkish and Aegean Cuisine worldwide.”
‘Be aware of your richness’
Chef Viola stated that he made sure the customers took great pleasure in dining and he made no compromises when it came to taste and presentation. “You need to be aware of the richness of Turkish Cuisine”, said Chef Viola and added that he would be coming back to Izmir University of Economics with the awarded chefs affiliated to “Les Toques Blanches du Monde” in Lyon, in order to make the final decision about the 6 students who would perform their internship in France in the summer of 2014.
'Distinction of universal education’
IUE Rector Prof. Dr. Tunçdan Baltacıoğlu pointed out that the students proved their distinction with the universal education they received. He said, “Our students receive one-on-one training on both Turkish cuisine and world cuisine from the best chefs. Students, who will have a chance to perform their internship at Michelin Starred restaurants, will eventually become chefs who will achieve stars for the Aegean Cuisine in the near future.”
Sırma Güven, IUE Achieving a Star for Aegean Cuisine Project Coordinator, stated that they aimed to promote Aegean Cuisine in international standards through the 2nd phase of the collaboration with French Michelin awarded chefs that started last year. Güven, who stated that the project contributed majorly to the development of students, said “Our students will get a chance to decipher the familiar tastes of Aegean Cuisine with French chefs. We are anxiously looking forward for this special occasion.”
