What a fantastic day it turned out to be! From the delightful dishes to the perfect wine pairings and the captivating stories, it’s an experience we won’t soon forget.
Media Xpose was thrilled to accept an invitation from the Chaine des Rotisseurs Bailliage du Cup at the CTIA. Our day began with a warm welcome from two promising chefs in the parking lot, guiding us to the foyer.
We were treated to mouthwatering canapés perfectly matched with the Van Loveren Chardonnay/Pinor Noir sparkling wine. Inside, we met the members of the Chaine des Rotisseurs Bailliage du Cup, each wearing impressive regalia adorned with badges and pins from around the globe. Their vivid tales of travels and adventures had us enthralled while we savoured the sparkling wine and canapés, expertly served by the enthusiastic trainee chefs.
With a membership of nearly 25,000, the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs is a global Gastronomy Association active in over 80 countries. It brings together like-minded individuals who share a passion for excellence, gourmet dining, the progression of culinary arts, and the pure joy of food. Chaîne des Rôtisseurs serves as a platform for food enthusiasts and professionals from diverse backgrounds, including hoteliers, restaurateurs, executive chefs, and sommeliers, all committed to honouring the art of fine cuisine.
Later, we gathered in the beautifully arranged upstairs dining area where Jacques Cilliers the Van Loveren winemaker shared fascinating insights about sustainable farming and the diverse wines, we had the pleasure of sampling.
During our visit, we discovered some interesting culinary traditions. Historically in the culinary world, the height of a chef’s hat signifies their rank in the kitchen, with the executive chef donning the tallest hat.
When we asked the young individuals about the key to their culinary pursuits, they unanimously agreed: passion is what drives them forward.
Nestled in the picturesque Cape Winelands, the Stellenbosch CTIA campus is a thriving community where students and staff come together to create an exceptional learning experience. Ruan Wolfaardt of CTIA took us on a tour of the beautiful establishment that speaks of life and the dynamic training environment it offers; boasting two well-equipped training kitchens, an interactive studio classroom and two engaging theory classrooms on the campus.
Stellenbosch, a renowned culinary destination and a mecca for food and wine enthusiasts, is the perfect backdrop for students. The town is compact enough that you can explore it on foot, making it convenient for students to navigate this bustling student hub. Moreover, there are plenty of accommodation options close to the campus, ensuring that the students have a comfortable and accessible place to call home during their studies.
The entire experience left us with an unforgettable taste of the day’s culinary wonders and camaraderie.
