I attended this exposure program with many other Pastry Chefs from Malta. The experience was just amazing!
It was a 3 day exposure program whereby all participants were given a tour around the chocolate factory and we were given a lot of information with regards to the product itself, the chocolate grain, the supply and the process towards making the chocolate itself. Veliche have 12 types of chocolates all with their unique style. Needless to say, we were waiting for the opportunity to tickle our taste buds of course and the moment actually arrived! We all love chocolate but THIS was the ultimate experience.
Their Executive Pastry Chef delivered a lot of demonstrations regarding the variety of chocolate cakes and we also had the opportunity to work in small groups and experience the same type of cakes with their products. Every group had a specific task with different types of chocolate and we had to deliver the final product to the Executive Pastry Chef. The pressure was on! We found our team members and engaged towards this challenge. This involved lots of team work, discussion, creativity, sharing of ideas and product knowledge and needles to say the adrenaline rush that we as Pastry Chefs are presenting a final product to the Executive Pastry of of Veliche Company was on another level.
We were given lectures related to the different type of Chocolate techniques for garnishes of which I will proudly display and deliver at AX Sliema. At the end of our stay, we were treated to a luxurious restaurant which complimented the experience especially when it came to the dessert!
I must say this was an amazing opportunity, not only to experience such an exposure in Belgium but to also network with Maltese Pastry Chefs also and gain more knowledge which will surely help me become more successful in my line of duty.
I am very grateful towards Executive Chef Joseph Xuereb and the Sliema Management for allowing me this opportunity. An unforgettable experience indeed!
