Sodexo chef gains top tips at Royal Garden Hotel

21st April 2009, 3:11pm

Sodexo chef Sonia Reynolds, from Brimscombe Church of England Primary School in Stroud, has enjoyed a day's vocational experience at The Royal Garden Hotel, London, taking tips in five-star cuisine from award-winning executive chef Steve Munkley and his team.

Arriving at the hotel, Reynolds and her Sodexo senior area manager Caroline Holmes were treated to an evening of fine dining in the hotel's Park Terrace restaurant, before enjoying the luxury of rooms overlooking Kensington Gardens.

Reynolds spent the following day sampling Munkley and his team's daily routine as they run The Royal Garden's Park Terrace and Min Jiang restaurants, café bar and twelve banqueting rooms; taking tips in sushi preparation, the art of desserts and traditional British cuisine.

Reynolds commented: "It was a fantastic trip. It was great to see what happens behind the scenes in such exciting kitchen environments. I loved having the opportunity to prepare food at one of the most prestigious hotels in the country."

Jane Bristow, managing director, Sodexo Education said: "Sonia did fantastically well to win the title of School Chef of the Year and we are delighted to be supporting her in the subsequent opportunities she has been given to develop her skills. She is already an inspiration in the kitchen and I have no doubt that this experience has helped to further develop her skills as a chef."

Neil Porter, chairman, Local Authority Caterers Association (LACA) said: "Each year, the winner of LACA's School Chef of the Year Competition is a great ambassador for this country's school meal service.  They demonstrate the high standards of professionalism, skill and culinary creativity in our school kitchens. Sonia won School Chef of the Year 2008 because of her talent and imaginative flair with her dishes."

In addition to her trip to The Royal Garden Hotel and a cash prize, Reynolds has also won invitations to a string of high profile catering industry events throughout the year.                               

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• 01 Jul 2011 - Sodexo gives away thousands of apples to local schools
• 13 Jun 2011 - Sodexo appoints new chief financial controller
• 23 May 2011 - Sodexo appoints managing director to lead Prestige London
• 09 May 2011 - Sodexo feeds Royal Wedding troops
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• 07 Feb 2011 - Young unemployed people take part in two-week hospitality programme
• 10 Sep 2009 - The Royal Garden launches its Palace Suite next month
• 05 Jun 2009 - Blooming success
• 01 Jun 2009 - Sodexo takes action
• 15 May 2009 - LACA School Chef of the Year 2009 crowned
• 13 May 2009 - Nominees announced for LACA Awards 2009
• 08 May 2009 - New development director at Sodexo
• 01 May 2009 - Sodexo announces Marine Stewardship Council award
• 29 Apr 2009 - BSA selects Sodexo as its charity of choice

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