Top chef shows way to customers' hearts

Nine of the best apprentices from Yorkshire and the Humber spent the day with a top chef, learning how to create a restaurant experience customers cannot resist.

As part of an LSC expert cookery class at Leeds Thomas Danby College, the students worked hard with Andrew Pern, the owner of the Michelin Star 14th Century Star Inn at Harome, North Yorkshire, and chef Peter Nevill from the newly opened Pheasant Hotel, Harome.

The students discovered that putting food at the heart of an establishment is the way to customers' hearts and it is proving to be financially successful too, in a time when 39 pubs are closing every week, according to a recent report by the Beer and Pub Association.

Nick Wilson, regional director for the National Apprenticeship Service (NAS) in Yorkshire and the Humber, said: "Being exposed to two chefs at the very top of their game, like Andrew and Peter, is a fantastic way to accelerate the learning and aspirations of these apprentices. In order to progress from competence to excellence, it is crucial that these apprentices understand the importance of local, seasonal food, top quality ingredients, flavours, preparation, new techniques and presentation.

"Andrew and Peter are passionate about these values and their enthusiasm and insight are invaluable for the learners."

The apprentices first observed and later tasted and critiqued Andrew’s signature dish and Star best seller: Grilled Black Pudding with Pan-Fried Foie Gras, Pickering Watercress, Apple and Vanilla Chutney and Scrumpy reduction.

The class is part of the '2009 From Competence to Excellence' programme which is building on the success of the series of 500 classes held in 2008. Expert classes ran throughout England from January to March 2009. 1200 young people across the country will participate. Through the expert class programme, training providers and employers can share best practice and contribute to a lasting skills legacy.

To view a vodcast of the cookery class click here:

To find out more about Apprenticeships, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk or call 08000 150 600

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