The Launch of MDIS Bakery & Culinary StudioLatest News

The morning of 28 April marked a significant milestone for MDIS as the Institute officially launched its new MDIS Bakery & Culinary Studio, in conjunction with its partnership with notable City of Glasgow College. Built to industry standards, the facilities support the introduction of several new academic programmes across various disciplines.

“The new facilities and programmes are a part of MDIS’ academic thrust to introduce more practical, skills-based curricula in the areas of F&B, culinary management, fashion, healthcare and more to nurture future-ready graduates”, said Dr R Theyvendran, MDIS Secretary-General. “This is in line with our Vision 2020 goal to equip both students and mid-career professionals with future-ready skillsets that are, or will be in demand, by the economy.”

City of Glasgow College’s Senior Chef Lecturer and winner of BBC’s MasterChef: The Professionals 2016, Mr Gary Maclean and Curriculum Head for Food, Mr Willie McCurrach, were present to grace the special occasion. The launch heralded the extension of the partnership between MDIS and the City of Glasgow College, to offer internationally recognised and practicum based programmes to students and working professionals who wish to embark, upgrade or progress further in the hospitality industry.

To kickstart the Opening Ceremony, the two culinary heavyweights hosted a Mystery Box Chef Challenge with five top industry chefs. Guests mingled around the Culinary Studio in anticipation of watching the chefs from Ricciotti Italian restaurant, Little Island Brewery, Aura (Il Lido Group), Jiakpalang Eating House, and Stellar Restaurant in a cook off of gastronomical proportions. The mystery boxes were unsealed to reveal fresh premium ingredients including crabs, scallops, asparagus, and green and red peppers.

After prepping their tools, the chefs got down to business. The battle was on and the tension was so thick in the air that one could cut it with a knife! The enticing smells wafting from the culinary studio soon signalled to all that the competition was nearing its conclusion. After an intense 30 minutes, the chefs presented their gastronomical delights for judging. Forks at the ready, Gary and Willie sampled each dish; judging them on taste, aroma, appearance, use of ingr edients and more.

After a tough decision, both judges voted Mr Nixon Low of new venture Jiakpalang Eating House as the winner of the Chef Challenge. He was presented with an exclusive, autographed cheese board and a Quaich, a traditional drinking bowl in Scotland.

The Chef Challenge was followed by two MasterClasses, where Gary and Willie taught members of the media the art of Chocolate Fondant making and instructed prospective students on classic cuts and knife skills.

With the launch of its new facilities, MDIS is looking forward to hosting culinary and bakery workshops for students and the public for a start. As a WSQ Approved Training Organisation, MDIS courses approved under the WSQ Framework will be accredited and qualifications obtained will be nationally recognised. Students, working professionals and the public can thus be confident that the skills they acquire from the MDIS Bakery & Culinary Studio workshops and courses the Institute aims to roll out over the next few months will be of high quality and accepted by the industry here.