Big stage for Ötztal’s Gourmet Ambassadors
On the occasion of the Winter Opening in Gurgl, the upcoming local talents showed their culinary skills. The future professionals were part of the top-class Diamond Dinner held at Gurgl Carat. Chanette Gstrein and Marie Suban are two apprentices that are very happy about the successful completion of this additional qualification.
Since autumn 2019, trainees from the gastronomy and hotel sector had the chance to become true Ötztal Gourmet Ambassadors. "The participants have better career opportunities thanks to the additional qualification and get to know the culinary specialties of our homeland," summarizes Raphael Kuen, Habitat Manager at Ötztal Tourismus. In the meantime, eight junior employees can already adorn themselves with the coveted title of "Gourmet Ambassador". The latest additions to the club are Marie Suban (Hotel Das Central) and Chanette Gstrein (Hotel Bergland Sölden). Both have successfully completed the three one-week modules by gaining direct insights into the world of regional producers as well as valuable knowledge about Ötztal’s history and culture plus current food trends. “I can strongly recommend this unique opportunity for further training to everyone. It has given me a much greater knowledge of our local businesses and how they work,” explains Marie Suban who is doing an apprenticeship as a hotel and hospitality assistant at Hotel Das Central. Hotel owner Roland Haslwanter from Oetz describes why it is worth offering this type of further training to young people: "We are currently training seven apprentices and are very happy to encourage young people's interest in regional products."
Direct insights
The initiative also enjoys a high status on the part of the producers involved. “We enjoy working with young people. It gives us direct insight into their way of thinking. In return, they can see how we manufacture our products and the effort involved,” says Bertram Kuprian from the village butcher's shop in Längenfeld. He sees the cooperation as a valuable investment, because today's young talents will grow into the role of managers in the future.
Next group in training
As part of the "Diamond Dinner" held at Gurgl Carat Congress Center, the current program participants made their culinary contribution to the multi-course menu. For example, in the form of two aperitifs featuring Ötztal dialect terms or an Ötztal "taco". The young people received professional support for the big performance as part of a workshop guided by certified master chef Philipp Stohner. This was also highly appreciated by all guests. Like Michael Kofler, head chef at Hotel Das Central. "Within the framework of the Ötztal Gourmet Ambassador program, our young people get to know the personalities behind the food. Additionally, it is very interesting for them to see and understand the work steps up to the finished product,” Kofler praises. As early as July 2023, ten more trainees will be able to bear the title of Ötztal Gourmet Ambassador and receive the coveted "Granta" (lingonberry) as a symbol of successful completion.
Further information: www.oetztal-genussbotschafter.at
Ötztal Tourismus
PR & Media
ANNA PIRCHER
anna.pircher@oetztal.com
T +43 (0) 57200 935
