News
Carving up a storm
Mr. David Taylor, professional Chef and Carver from Darwin, Australia, recently took time out from his Fiji holiday to carve up a storm in a practical demonstration for Certificate III Commercial Cookery and Patisserie students at APTC Namaka. In his demonstration, held in the new APTC training kitchen in front of a packed class, Mr Taylor utilised seasonal fruits and vegetables from the Namaka Market, introducing the students to a specialised and practical skill used, not only in Fiji’s many resorts and restaurants, but also in those around the world. “We invited Mr Taylor because of his expertise in the delicate art of Carving, inspired by his love of Asian food, and which he studied in Thailand and Vietnam,” explained Hospitality Lecturer Oliver Budack. “Mr Taylor told the students amusing stories about learning under the tutelage of Master Carver ‘Madam Ha’, especially the one about her penchant for poking his hand with a knife if he did not carve in the way she instructed.” Mr Budack said, “The students were spellbound by Mr Taylor’s skill, delicately carving his way through watermelon, peppers, carrot, celery, spring onion, chillis and pineapple, artistically sculpting them into delicate flowers, plants and posies for table display.” “Not only did Mr Taylor field eager questions from the students, clearly inspired by what they saw, but he also made time for them to try carving firsthand, with surprising results.”
Chef and Carver, David Taylor surrounded by students in the
Namaka kitchen
A stunning example of David’s carving skills