Friday, September 30, 2005

The next Jamie?

Recently I had the opportunity to meet Gordon Ramsay at the College of Food, whilst we hosted the National Semi Finals of the 2005 Ramsay Scholorship. Gordon spoke publicly at the awards ceremony and surprisingly demonstrated himself as a highly articulate, sensible and educated individual. He only swore on about two occassions!

Tommorow, I have been invited to take part in the First Round Cook Offs for a new television production hosted by Gordon Ramsay and Giles Coren, Time's Food Editor/ Restaurant Critic. The show, which will be aptly called, 'The F Word', is to be shown in the nine weeks leading up to Christmas on Channel 4. Part of the hour long program (I believe to be scheduled on Sunday evenings, just before watershed at 8PM) will be dedicated to Ramsay leading a kitchen brigade serving members of the public and VIPs. The competition tommorow is to select twelve places on the kitchen brigade.

I was asked to apply in writing, including a photograph of myself and was then interviewed informally by telephone on two ocassions by members of the Production Team. They received almost 1,000 applications nationwide and have selected just 100 individuals to present a dish to Ramsay and other judges at the Hammersmith and West London College, Central London. The dish needs to be pre-prepared and served cold. In my case, it will need to travel over 100 miles with me to London, from Birmingham, before it will be briefly assembled and presented. The judges will select from this round, a group of cooks who will compete on Sunday for a place on the show. The entire audition process will also be filmed, for potential broadcast.

Even if I am unsuccessful, it is exciting to be involved at such a competitive level!! Watch this space!

Thursday, September 29, 2005

Reflective Learning!

Hi! I have decided to begin a new way of keeping up to date with you via this site. From today I will be posting a daily entry (at least Monday-Friday) which will reflect upon my learning here at Birmingham College of Food. It is hoped that this will be of particular interest to any one in education, but also to those interested in the industry and food in general. Whilst it is likely to focus on education and academics- this will by no means reduce the value and interest of the entries. I still hope to write in a light hearted, easy to read manner which appeals to a general audience, as well as others with a specialist understanding.

This reflective diary will include my personal, emotive response to lectures, practicals and other assesments here at Birmingham College of Food. It will also set out to continue informing you of things I have been doing at work and in general.

It should be said, that it in no way represents Birmingham College of Food, Tourism and Creative Studies. It is not an official or approved site. However, it will present an honest, personal impression upon what I experience throughout my studies and work. Happy Reading!!

Tuesday, September 20, 2005

Sorry, it has been so long!!

I am so sorry that it has been so very long since I last posted an entry here. As you can imagine I have been tremendously pre-occupied with other things, but I do hope to now post more frequently at this address.

I have such a lot to up-date you on, that this could take some time. I intend to send a new post in the next few days. However, for now it suffices to say, that I am now re-located to Birmingham and enrolling at the Bimingham College of Food. I am working part time with two local companies and becoming increasingly involved in a Community Kitchen Project in India, which is likely to lead to a visit to India later next year.

Well, I have finally posted something and will write again very soon. Please keep in touch.

Michael