Sometimes it seems unusual or even unrealistic to wake up at the crack of dawn to be in the kitchen before the sun has risen and before the birds are awake and tweeting, but this is a regular occurrence in preparing us to become top chefs. We feel really blessed to have lecturers who share their insights into the skills, character and good habits which we need to acquire in order to prepare us for the culinary arts industry one day. So we really don’t mind the early starts.

The most recent of these early morning experiences was when we were given a practical assessment starting at 6am. Our challenge: Cooking a four course meal in just a few hours. Challenge accepted!

The first hurdle?

Waking up and dragging myself out of bed, then adjusting my eyes to the bright light (once I found the light switch of course). But, onwards and upwards for us chefs! Of course coffee really helped to get the creative juices flowing and after our first cuppa, we were ready to take on the work! And what a success!

The perfect end to a day that started way too early in the morning, but us Culinary Arts students are happiest in the kitchen, where we’re always easily reminded why it’s beautiful to be a chef.