Sweet taste of success for Mal-U students

Students in Malaspina University-College’s world renowned Culinary Arts and Professional Baking programs are enjoying the sweet taste of success after winning seven gold medals at a sugar sculpture competition in Kelowna.

Chris Szilagyi won grand gold and best overall in the show in the novice category for an elaborate sugar sculpture of an oriental garden, river and bridge. Sugar sculptures are made with melted and cooled sugar that’s pulled or inflated while still pliable.

"These techniques are similar to blowing glass," explained Debbie Shore, Coordinator of the Culinary Arts program.

Student David Thompson won gold for a unique sculpture called "a copper pot full of chef and damsel", but an untimely accident almost ruined his chance of winning. Thompson completed his fragile sculpture at Malaspina, and transported it to Kelowna "but it was accidently dropped. I had four hours to re-build it," he said. "It was a stressful experience, but somehow things worked out and I still won gold."

Stephanie Graziani, a recent grad of Malaspina’s Professional Baking apprenticeship program, also won gold despite a similar set-back. "Stephanie’s sugar sculpture broke into a million pieces," said Shore. She re-constructed the entire piece from scratch, proving that Mal-U students are trained to work under pressure.

Malaspina’s Culinary Arts and Baking programs are fortunate to have two pastry chefs who are former Culinary Olympic medalists. "They’ve mentored our students in how to deal with unexpected situations," said Shore. "The secret of being a good Chef is to be ready for anything."

Mal-U students Gordon Walls and Jennifer Cline earned gold medals in the "hot food displayed cold" category, for their three course luncheon. Cline won the best novice award for her efforts, while student Marcus Dunn won silver for his six-plated desserts.

Meanwhile, Jessie Williams and Sara Redpath competed at the BC Chefs Junior Chapter Hot Competition in Vancouver recently, and won silver medals for their vegetarian entrees.

"It’s been a great spring season showcasing the talents of our Culinary Arts and Baking students," said Shore. "Right now, we’re actively recruiting for our August intake and would love to see some more students enroll in these programs. We're looking for students who love to eat, cook or bake."

For information about Malaspina's Culinary Arts or Professional Baking programs, call Josephine Chong at (250) 740-6289 or visit the website at www.viu.ca.