Chefs and cooks in the Western Province have learnt new techniques to integrate more local produce into their menus thanks to training given in Munda last week by renowned New Zealand-based American Chef, Colin Chung.
Facilitated by Australian Government-funded program, Strongim Bisnis an Australian aid initiative, the one-week culinary training was run in partnership with the Western Province Tourism Association for 19 employees of small restaurants and accommodation providers from Munda and Gizo.
Strongim Bisnis tourism sector business adviser Franklin Forau said the event was a ‘great success’ and one of many activities that Australia was undertaking to improve the viability of tourism in Solomon Islands. Training focused on sourcing local produce, food preparation, nutrition and menu development.
Mr Chung, who has also trained chefs in Samoa and Fiji, launched the Lagoon Fest Cookoff in Munda. This food festival, run by WPTA, will commence in December and will be an annual event. The winner of the Cookoff will get to spend time in New Zealand learning about the food industry and working with the Kiwi chef in his Raglan restaurant.