Open Kitchen Week, an initiative from Chef Network will take place countrywide from the 11th to the 17th of November, and registration is now open for host kitchens.
The programme offers a unique opportunity for aspiring chefs at any stage of their life, from transition year students to mature food enthusiasts, to gain real-world experience working ‘behind the pass’ in some of Ireland’s leading restaurants, hotels, bakeries, cafés and more. For participating establishments, it offers an unmatched opportunity to promote a constructive industry experience, attract fresh talent and help to secure the future of the industry.
Launched in 2023, the inaugural event saw over 50 of Ireland’s professional kitchens invite 300 members of the public to experience what it’s like to work in a real professional kitchen. Hosts last year included high-profile names like Bread 41 in Dublin, Elbow Lane in Cork, the Blue Haven in Kinsale, House of Plates in Castlebar, Michelin-star Aniar in Galway, 2 Taps Wine Bar in Belfast, Lough Erne Resort in Enniskillen and Clayton Hotels to name but a few.
Ruth Hegarty, Food Policy Consultant and Chef Network spokesperson says “We piloted this idea in 2023 and before we knew it 50 kitchens were on board – more than we ever envisaged. The industry embraced the idea wholeheartedly. Chefs brought the guests in, introduced them to the team and their roles, took them through a day in the life of their kitchen, assigned them some basic tasks and gave them a chance to absorb the environment. Now we are expanding Open Kitchen and asking more kitchens to get involved. We want to showcase all sectors and all kinds of kitchen roles, ideally in kitchens in every county across the island. By getting involved, kitchens can contribute to the future of the industry by showcasing career opportunities and attracting new talent. They might even spot the next star of their kitchen team.”
Open Kitchen is supported by industry partners including the Dalata Hotel Group, Gather & Gather and Henderson Foodservice.
Host kitchens can commit to anything from a 2-hour visit to a full day, giving participants the opportunity to experience various aspects of kitchen life, from ‘prep’ time to a full service.
Kitchens already signed up for 2024 include Michelin-starred Aniar, Rare at Blue Haven, Osprey Hotel, Clayton Hotel Galway, Praline Pastry and Chocolate Shop, Gather & Gather at Airbnb, Allo’s Bar Bistro Townhouse, Guinness Storehouse and Killeavy Castle Estate.
Chef Network is looking for kitchens that can offer a positive kitchen experience to become Open Kitchen hosts. Find out how at www.chefnetwork.ie
Keep up to date with Chef Network on social media @chefnetworkirl
