Chefs

A SWEET ENCOUNTER WITH KARIM BOURGI

INTRODUCING WORLDCHEFS ACADEMY AND ITS ADVISORS

Born in Senegal to Lebanese parents, Karim Bourgi graduated from Le Cordon Bleu Paris in 2000 and trained in the finest establishments in France. As a member of Les Toques Blanches du Monde, the International Cheese Guild and brand ambassador of Elle & Vire, Valrhona and Carpigiani Italia, the pastry chef talks to us about his delicious creations and plans for the future.

What can you tell us about yourself?

I have been living in Dubai since 2010. I am the founder of KAYU BAKEHOUSE in Dubai as well as the corporate pastry chef of Hermes Paris in the GCC.

What is your motto?

Because you deserve it! How does your Lebanese heritage influence the pastry dishes you create?

My Lebanese ancestry influences my work immensely. I am a big fan of raw Lebanese ingredients, especially orange blossom water. I use this ingredient in several of my sweet creations. What are your favorite pastry concepts?

Classic desserts are my favorite; I can never imagine the world of pastry without chocolate eclairs or vanilla millefeuille. Do you have any projects in the pipeline?

I am opening a new concept under the name of CALLA in Dubai, which will be located next door to KAYU. karimbourgi.com

Read the full interview on hospitalitynewsmag.com

Amro Al Yassin, Worldchefs Academy Arabic advisor, VP of Emirates Culinary Guild (Dubai) and general secretary of the Syrian Culinary Guild; and Jihan Sahawneh, Worldchefs Academy Arabic Advisor and culinary facilitator at the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts (Jordan), explain how Worldchefs Academy is helping young talents in their culinary journeys.

What does the curriculum cover?

The Pre-Commis Chef Course brought to you by Worldchefs Academy, Nestle Professional and Pro Gastronomia Foundation can be followed as a complete curriculum, while individual lessons complement other existing courses or provide theoretical components to culinary apprenticeships. Participants must put their knowledge to the test as they progress through the courses. Once they pass the final assessment, they receive a Worldchefs Academy certificate and a digital badge that shows potential employers that they are ready for the job. How is this program linked to the Worldchefs Certification?

Worldchefs Academy graduates are equipped with a Pre-Commis Chef certificate and a digital badge – an important prerequisite for anyone looking to apply for employment in a professional kitchen. Graduates with three years’ work experience under a supervising professional chef can apply for Worldchefs Global Culinary Certification as a Worldchefs Certified Professional Cook (Commis Chef). The PreCommis Chef Course helps aspiring chefs take their first steps toward a culinary career. Worldchefs is also launching Approved Courses, with training and learning programs provided by world-renowned institutions. Culinary professionals can find the best courses in hospitality to suit their ambitions and boost their careers.

What more can you tell us?

Adding to the lineup of free courses available to our global community, the Arabic Pre-Commis Chef Course has recently been added to the English, Spanish, Portuguese and Italian library. With the help of our language advisors and volunteers, Worldchefs is also developing the PreCommis Chef Course in German and Mandarin, which is set to launch in 2021.

The Worldchefs Academy mobile app can be downloaded from the App Store, Google Play and their website. worldchefsacademy.com

Read the full interview on hospitalitynewsmag.com