One of the world’s most renowned chefs has served welcomed words of wisdom to the next generation of chefs when Hiroyuki Sakai (The Iron Chef) visited students at Brisbane’s Hospitality Training Association Inc (HTA) recently.

     

Hiroyuki Sakai is the owner chef of the famed La Rochelle restaurant in Tokyo and is famous for his appearance as Chef French Sakai in the Iron Chef television series, watched by more than 70 million people worldwide.

In early July, he presented a series of showcase dinners at the Gold Coast’s Palazzo Versace, sponsored by HTA.  During his time in Queensland, Chef Sakai also visited HTA to talk to some of the students.

HTA CEO Phillip Charlton said Chef Sakai’s visit was a highlight for the students who have been focusing on their studies and competiting in national cookery competitions.

“For many students, it was people like Chef Sakai who first inspired them to pursue a career in the hospitality industry.  For them to then meet him face to face and hear his advice is a unique opportunity,” he said.

 

“The development of young chefs is an important focus for HTA.  Our students have developed high professional standards and skills and having these skills recognised by Chef Sakai is the icing on the cake for them.

Mr Charlton said HTA had also organised for its staff to undertake professional development in Chef Sakai's French / Japanese restaurants and for HTA students to complete internships with Chef Sakai.

“By fostering close ties with industry, both in Australia and overseas, we aim to broaden our students’ education by having them work alongside leading chefs.   HTA students are the next generation of chefs and it is practical experiences such as these which will give them a head start in their careers.”

HTA is a not-for-profit organisation created by the hospitality industry to service the recruitment, training and employment needs of the industry.