Open Kitchen Week will run nationwide from November 6th until 12th. Over 100 participants have already signed up to experience what happens ‘behind the pass’ in a professional kitchen.
Open Kitchen offers anyone, at any stage of their life, who is interested in exploring what a career is like in a professional kitchen the opportunity to book a ‘slot’ in the registered establishment of their preference. Kitchens are offering anything from a 2-hour visit to a full day, giving participants the opportunity to experience various aspects of kitchen life, from ‘prep’ time to a full service, depending on what is on offer from the particular establishment. This is the first year of this brand-new initiative, with plans already in place for an expanded annual ‘Open Kitchen Week’ in 2024 and beyond.
Spaces for 2023 are limited, however, there are still some open around the country. North of Ireland hosts include Biddy O’Barnes in Donegal, Galgorm Spa & Golf Resort in Ballymena, Lough Erne Resort in Enniskillen, and the Maldron in Belfast. Further south in Cork, both Blue Haven in Kinsale and Elbow Lane Brewhouse in the city have limited slots available. In Dublin, Gather & Gather Ireland will show aspiring chefs how food in the workplace is dynamic and progressive with slots available in Airbnb and Matheson LLP. Or those interested in experiencing the pace and variety of a busy hotel kitchen can visit Clayton Hotel in Galway city and Dublin Airport. Anyone whose interest is piqued by the initiative is encouraged to sign up before midnight on October 30th when registrations will close.
Ruth Hegarty, from egg&chicken Food Consultancy, is leading the project for Chef Network. Ruth says “Lots of slots have already booked up, and chefs around the country are looking forward to welcoming guests into their kitchens. We can’t wait to show people the passion and creativity that goes into food and what an exciting career this can be. There is still time to grab your spot and get a taste of kitchen life during Open Kitchen Week. I recommend people to jump on this opportunity”.
Anyone interested in exploring the opportunity can sign up by visiting www.openkitchen.ie. Registrations close at 5 p.m. on October 30th. Open Kitchen Week takes place from November 6th to the 12th.
