The Réunion des Gastronomes – UK’s oldest culinary organisation – has announced a new hospitality industry initiative aimed at nurturing talent, career enhancement and mentoring. The Réunion des Gastronomes Award was launched by Serge Pradier, President, at the organisation’s 98th Annual Banquet this week at the Langham Hotel in London.
The organisation has, in the past, used the money raised by the President’s Fund to support a number of different initiatives at the core of the hospitality education system, with colleges mainly having benefitted. This new enterprise, an annual award, is open to applicants of any age, and among other prizes, offers the winner the opportunity of four two-day placements (or stages), together with expenses being covered, across a diverse number of industry sectors. They will have a varied choice from among others hotels, restaurants, contract caterers, London clubs and even the award-winning prison rehabilitation and training charity project The Clink. (subject to security clearance)
In addition, the winner will be invited to attend five Gastronome events in the course of the following year, together with mentoring throughout from members. They will also be awarded Associate membership of Réunion des Gastronomes for up to four years. “We believe it to be worth in excess of £3,000 in prize values alone,” says Serge Pradier, “but the mentoring and potential career enhancement offered is priceless.
“We deliberately chose not to restrict the age for applicants, as we wanted to include the many people who have chosen a total career change later in life. I am delighted that this has come to fruition during my time as President and we look forward to meeting the shortlisted applicants.” He adds.
Shortlisted finalists will each receive an invitation to attend – with any necessary travel and accommodation costs being reimbursed – two Gastronome events in the lead up to the final announcement.
Full details are available on the website: gastronomes.org. The nomination process is industry wide and once nominated, an invitation to apply will be sent to the nominee, together with the application form. Applicants must be in full-time employment, at a supervisory level or above, and there is no age limitation. In addition, applications from those who would already quality for membership of The Gastronomes will be offered the opportunity to become a member. The closing date for nominations is 1 February and for applications 1 March 2017. The winner will be announced at the 99th Annual Banquet in November next year.