Like Arts on Main itself, they noticed that the academy was born from passion, arts and people. This was a centre for the art of culinary perfection and they immediately saw its potential.
‘We wanted to bring the concept to the people and what better place to do so than to the “City of Expertise,” says Thea, the owner of the new campus.
And so, on Friday 6 January, Jhb Culinary and Pastry School held an intimate launch in Chief Albert Luthuli Avenue where guests got together over paella recipes and cooked up a storm. Despite the pouring rain, the evening offered a delightful fusion of fine dining, laughs, skills transference and public relations at its best!
The school offers short courses, edutainment classes for children from the age of nine years old and full-time City & Guilds diploma courses in Patisserie and Culinary Arts under the skilled mentorship of Craig Jordaan and Marike van Staden. Craig has been a gastronomy specialist for over 15 years and trained in London. Marike is a nationally acclaimed pastry chef. Together, they have a lot of professional experience and are committed to passing on the professional values and the passion of their trade.
On their journey to becoming future chefs and entrepreneurs, the students work in groups of up to 16 and benefit from individualised guidance and coaching. Training is action-based through hands-on kitchen work and service in the academy’s student-run bakery. ‘The mission of the Jhb Culinary and Pastry School is to be the best in the country, with service excellence of an international standard. Our goal is to produce chefs who are productive, employable and independent. We are growth-oriented and strive to be in the forefront of “foodovation,”’ says Yolandi, the academy’s principal. ‘We want prestigious restaurants and hotels to head hunt our graduates because they know they have more than just the necessary skills and expertise. Our courses are based on apprenticeship, where students gain professional experience and study simultaneously.’
The Potchefstroom campus comprises the academy, catering services and a gourmet bakery. It also offers team-building and corporate events, a junior chefs’ academy and short courses for working enthusiasts.
‘Our aim is to bring the food experience alive in Potchefstroom. We also want to open doors and provide every opportunity for our students to embark on a successful and enriching career path in the finest tradition of international cuisine,’ Yolandi concluded.