24 February 2021
Michelin starred chef Geoffrey Smeddle has given students on the Professional Cookery course at Fife College a virtual masterclass this week.
The chief proprietor at The Peat Inn in Cupar gave an online cookery demonstration before taking in part in a question and answer session with those watching via Zoom.
Geoffrey is one of Scotland’s top chefs, and had an extensive background of working in restaurants across the world before taking over The Peat Inn and earning his first Michelin star in 2010. He is often praised for his unpretentious approach to cooking, and his food marries classical techniques with modern cuisine.
The masterclass is just one of a number of events being organised for Culinary Arts students at Fife College as part of a Virtual Food Festival.
Food and drink experts from around the region will be carrying out virtual demonstrations, workshops and industry talks, with guests including Stuart Ralston from the Aizle Restaurant in Edinburgh, Shona Sutherland from Taystful in Blairgowrie and Lucy Spendlow from Mitchells in St Andrews.
The masterclass was organised after Fife College reached out to their industry partners Savour St Andrews, Quality Meat Scotland and the Enlightenment Project to ask for support for their students.
With in-class teaching suspended due to the current Coronavirus restrictions, the College wanted to make sure that students didn’t miss out on their learning experience.
Speaking after the event, Geoffrey Smeddle said:
“It was great to be able to take part in the Virtual Food Festival at Fife College, and give students an insight into my cooking and the techniques I use.
“It’s always brilliant to speak to people who are so enthusiastic about food, and who are so eager to learn more about the industry.
“There were some really interesting questions, and it a pleasure to be able to help inspire the next generation of chefs from Fife.”
Stuart Gray, a student on the Advanced Professional Cookery course said:
"While our practical lessons have been stopped during lockdown, our lecturers have done well to keep us learning online and we're looking forward to getting back to the kitchen very soon.
"However an opportunity for a virtual Zoom demonstration from a Michelin star chef was a new learning experience and one we thoroughly enjoyed.
"Not only did we see some great skills and new ingredients, but we also got an insight into the importance of good relations with quality suppliers and sourcing local ingredients.
"The demo reinforced a lot of what we have been learning for our course units – invaluable at a time when practical learning can not take place."
Barry Scott, the Academic and Quality Lead at Fife College for Culinary Arts & Hospitality, said:
“We really appreciate the time that Geoffrey and all of our food and drink experts have taken to work with our students.
“With traditional teaching suspended we were keen to ensure that our students still had the best possible learning experience at the College.
“This Virtual Food Festival was a great way to do that, and I want to say a big thank you to all of our partners who made this possible.
“We’re confident that after this our students will be inspired to become the next generation of leading culinary experts in Scotland.”
For more information about courses available at Fife College, including culinary arts, visit our course pages.
