Who will be the next Hakim Chajar? - ITHQ is in full recruitment mode for the next class of chefs-in-training by March 1st for its new gastronomy program

"ITHQ runs in my veins. I owe my career as a chef to the quality of its training and to the fellow culinary disciples I met during my internships in France, California and Spain. Until March 1^st, I will be doing the rounds to encourage our youth to sign up for the new International Cuisine and Gastronomy program."

Hakim Chajar, 2009 ITHQ graduate; winner of 2014's TV show Les Chefs – La Revanche; and executive chef and co-owner of Laurea restaurant

MONTREAL, Jan. 21, 2015 /CNW Telbec/ - The Institut de tourisme et d'hôtellerie du Québec (ITHQ) is counting on a brand new culinary program to help usher in the next generation of Hakim Chajar, Martin Picard and Danny St-Pierre. The International Cuisine and Gastronomy program is unique in Canada and on par with the world's leading culinary schools. With the September session enrolment deadline on March 1^st, 2015, the ITHQ is in full recruitment mode for the next class of chefs-in-training.

With this new two-year, full-time, international signature program blending theory and practice, the ITHQ is raising the bar for its culinary training. This program is set to attract young, ambitious candidates with a passion for cooking who are seeking a taste of the action!

"Around the world, there is much enthusiasm for a highly qualified next generation in gastronomy. The ITHQ has trained hundreds of famous chefs, and we wish to attract new talent," said Pasquale Vari, chef and teacher at ITHQ since 1995. "By the end of their 26-month program, graduates will have been trained in the key elements of cooking and the gastronomical culture of Québec and elsewhere. Through internships, workshops with experts and real work experience, students will have acquired a maximum of professional experience. There is no doubt that upon graduation, they will then be sought after by high-end establishments," he added.

Those who prefer lectures need not apply!

Spread over six sessions, training is gained through practical experience. Classes are usually scheduled Monday through Thursday to allow students to work in a restaurant on Fridays. Most classes will be workshops. Other than an in-depth course on the cuisine du marché, focused on the core aspects of kitchen techniques and the standardization of recipes, students will have the opportunity to learn alongside some of Québec's and the world's most renowned culinary experts, there to share new kitchen and culinary practices.

On the program's 3,000 hours of training, 40% takes place in professional culinary establishments. Divided into four internships, this includes 12 weeks at a Relais & Châteaux or Michelin-starred restaurant, with additional experience gained under the supervision of ITHQ teachers at various gastronomical events, ITHQ restaurants and during visits to local producers.

Entry requirements: high school diploma or candidates aged 16 years or over who have completed main grade 10 courses, or those with equivalent qualifications. The course in International Cuisine and Gastronomy leads to a ITHQ Signature diploma and two diplomas awarded by the Québec Ministère de l'Éducation, du Loisir et du Sport.

About ITHQ (ithq.qc.ca)

Founded 46 years ago, ITHQ is a center of excellence in education specializing in tourism, hotel and restaurant services. Thanks to its distinctive academic approach, its applied research projects and sustained partnerships with the industry, ITHQ trains the most highly skilled new generation of leaders.

Factsheet on the International Cuisine and Gastronomy program can be downloaded here.

SOURCE Institut de tourisme et d'hôtellerie du Québec

For further information: Interviews with Hakim Chajar and Pasquale Vari: Amélie Forcier, NATIONAL Public Relations, Tel.: [phone] or Cell: 514 799-7011, Email: [email protected]; Source: Françoise Théberge, Communications Director, ITHQ, Tel.: [phone], ext. 4062, Email: [email protected]