Chef Network is inviting people to step ‘behind the pass’ and experience the inner workings of top kitchens across Ireland
The Bear certainly has a lot to answer for.
Thanks to the outrageous popularity of the FX show, interest in what goes on in a restaurant kitchen has gone through the roof! But the fascination has always been there for some who actually want to make it their career.
And it is these talented people who will benefit most from this brilliant event where they will get to see what genuinely happens behind the scenes at a busy eatery.
As part of its Open Kitchen Week initiative running from 11 – 17 November, Chef Network is giving aspiring chefs and those passionate about the culinary arts an opportunity to gain hands-on experience and a real insight into the industry.
The initiative is open to anyone at any stage of their life – from students exploring new career paths to curious seasoned food enthusiasts, or those looking to make a career change, this is a chance to get an insider understanding of what it’s like to work in Ireland’s leading restaurants, hotels, bakeries, cafes and workplace kitchens. Those who have already embarked on a chef career can also use the opportunity to get experience in a different sector or establishment type.
Every type of food experience
Over 150 guest slots are being offered in a huge variety of kitchens all across the country. If you’ve ever thought you’d like the pace and ambition of a fine-dining restaurant, you can choose from slots in Michelin-starred restaurants Aniar in Galway and Glovers Alley in Dublin, or renowned eateries like Rare at the Blue Haven, Kinsale; Stock in Belfast; or House of Plates, Castlebar.
Those interested in the hotel sector can experience life in Wineport Lodge in Westmeath, Clayton and Maldron Hotels around the country, or the Montenotte in Cork. Or perhaps you see yourself in a castle? Open Kitchen Week presents the incredible opportunity to experience kitchen work at Ballynahinch Castle in Connemara, Cashel Palace Hotel, or Killeavy Castle Estate in Newry.
Aspiring bakers and chocolatiers also have lots to choose from too, with Braw Chocolate & Bakery in Limerick, Grá Chocolate Galway, and Lorge Chocolatier, Kenmare, participating, alongside Bread41 and the Corner Bakery in Dublin.
For those who want to explore a kitchen career with day time hours, there are a range of cafés and food truck businesses involved, and sustainable workplace caterers. Gather & Gather are offering slots behind the scenes in the kitchens of companies such as LinkedIn, Airbnb, and Primark. Participants can choose to commit to a two-hour shift, a full day, or even a full week, depending on the establishment they select.
A unique opportunity
Commenting on the launch, Ruth Hegarty, who is spearheading the project for Chef Network, said:
“This is a simple idea to open people up to the possibility of careers in professional kitchens. There are huge opportunities in this industry and there are so many great places to work and so many exciting roles on offer. Chefs are really open to having anyone who is interested and enthusiastic to come in and experience the kitchen, but people often don’t always realise this is a possibility. So Open Kitchen Week makes that accessible to everyone.
Registration for Chef Network’s Open Kitchen Week, taking place from 11th – 17th November 2024, opens online on Monday, 16th September at openkitchen.ie.
