Hot Squad becomes Team Indian
On fire
after their success in representing the Indian nation in the
culinary World Grand Prix earlier in 2009, the 'Hot Squad' from
Bedford College are scheduled for more international
appearances.
Head of Hospitality Raj
Mandal (left) is on the look out for talent to join his team
to represent Indian in the culinary World Cup in October 2010.
Raj Mandal is an
experienced competitor in all top level competitions. Year after
year his College students enter and win cups and trophies at the
highest level. Because of the College’s high profile, Raj was asked
to put up a team to represent India in national competitions.
“We used the term Hot
Squad to talk about our top students who enter competitions all the
time. It takes on an additional meaning when we are cooking Indian
food,” said Raj.
“I shall be keeping my
eyes and ears open for suitable talent to join us in October 2010 -
well actually I shall also be including my nose and tastebuds in
the search!”
In the meantime, Raj is
forging close links with Asian restaurants in Bedford by offering a
range of professional courses to chefs. Currently he is working
with the Raj Kok restaurant in the High Street to help their chefs
achieve professional qualifications which reflect their great
cookery skills.
“Indian food continues to
be a favourite with the British public,” added Raj.
“Here at Bedford College
we want to help promote the best of Asian cuisine and train young
people to be ready for the workplace to meet that demand.
“And if along the way I
find some new talent for my Hot Squad Team Indian then I will be
delighted.”
Bedford College offers a
wide range of full and
part-time courses for the restaurant, hotel and catering industry. Students from
14 years old upwards can learn the necessary skills to be a
great cook or hotelier. Advanced professional
courses for those already in employment are offered in the
workplace, as well as menu tutorials for people catering for
specialist groups such as the elderly in care homes.