Bristol and Cummins giving back to young aspiring chefs

Two internationally certified chefs are coming together to offer Cookology Summer Hang. Theirs is a camp that would provide young culinary enthusiasts with the opportunity to have hands-on experience as well as insight into what the culinary industry is all about in a professional environment.

Chefs Alicia Bristol and Rashi Cummins, certified through the American Culinary Federation, said that the six-week camp seeks to offer students a glimpse into culinary science and exposure to the vastness of the industry. The camp will feature a mixologist, making sushi,  cakes and pastry and standard food preparation.

Persons attending the camp would also have the delight of experiencing a taste of the Caribbean, where persons from different Caribbean territories who operate food businesses here in Barbados would come and give demonstrations and of course a taste of their cuisine.

“Cookology Summer Hang is a well-thought-out program. We want future culinarians to understand the industry is a vibe, there is so much excitement and compensation within the field. It goes deeper than standing in front of a stove.
The scientific side of the arts is intriguing.

“Understanding the importance of time and temperature control, knife skills, what to know when choosing a cooking technique, sanitation and safety and this is only a tip of what we would be looking at over the six weeks. The camp would be held five days a week between the hours of 9-3 p.m.

Each camper would be given a T-shirt, apron and a chef hat. Lunch would be provided as well,” Bristol said.

In 2019 Cummins and Bristol both worked with the students of the ‘A Ganar’ Culinary Program and realized that the students had an eagerness to learn.  “In 2019 we were allowed to assist with the A Ganar  Culinary Program. During the program, we met some amazing young people who had an interest in cooking. Their eagerness to learn and willingness to participate was amazing. From that experience, we knew we wanted to continue working with young Barbadians and that is how Cookology Summer Hang was birthed.

We are also seeking to make it a holistic experience so campers would be encouraged to build a portfolio, so they can have references when they want to recreate a recipe or be reminded of culinary principles. There would also be the opportunity for them to work on a vision board so they would have a clear perspective of how they plan to navigate to their goals,” Bristol said.

Cummins who is a sous chef and currently the executive chef at  Cosmos, said that their program seeks to provide the youth of Barbados with some of the opportunities he has had as a chef.

“I know first-hand how difficult it can be to receive opportunities as a chef especially when you are looking to explore the options in the culinary industry and or seek international certification.

My personal goal is to become a Master Chef and I am already working on this goal by continuing my certification process through the American Culinary Federation.

I have been fortunate to have had support and guidance throughout my career and that is why I am eager to give back the knowledge and skills I have learnt to our island’s youth,” he said.

Cookology Culinary Hang will be held from July- August 2022 at the Caribbean Culinary Institute, Bank Hall, St Michael. Interested persons can email cookology246@gmail.com or call: 239- 4038/ 253-9115.

(Write Right PR Services)