Italian Restaurant Chain Eataly’s İstanbul Executive Chef Claudio Chinali, came to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) within the scope of Career Week organised by the Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) Alumni Communication and Career Research Center (MİKA) as a result of their collaboration with the EMU Faculty of Tourism. Claudio Chinali came together with EMU students at the EMU Faculty of Tourism Demo Kitchen on Wednesday, the 17th of April 2019 at 14:30.
“Food is Art”
The event was attended by EMU Vice Rector for Academic Affairs Prof. Dr. Halit Tanju Besler, Vice Rector for International Affairs and Promotion Prof. Dr. Cem Tanova, EMU Faculty of Tourism Dean Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç, Vice Deans Prof. Dr. Ali Öztüren and Asst. Prof. Dr. Mehmet Güven Ardahan and members of academic staff. The two-part event commenced with Chef Chinali holding a tasting including regional products for Department of Gastronomy and Culinary Arts fourth year students. The cold starter was “Asparagus Flan with Seasoned Sautéed Snail”. The tasting continued with “Artichoke Rizotto with Fresh Mint”. The main meal was “Oven-Baked Filet Sea-Bass with Spices and Cherry Tomatoes”.
The second-part of the event featured a talk with students. Indicating that at the age of 22 he was unhappy as a third year engineering student Chinali spoke about how he quit his engineering education to become a chef. Stating that he started working in his profession at his home town of Napoli in Italy, Chinali went on to indicate that he later worked at many Michelin star restaurants before becoming Eataly’s executive chef. Advising students to be patient and prioritize local products Chinali emphasized that they should never stop-learning. At the end of the event, Tourism Faculty Dean Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç stated that they are very pleased to have hosted Chef Caludio Chinali at their faculty and presented him a board with traditional Cypriot Lefkara lace.
Visit to EMU Rector
Claudio Chinali also paid a visit to EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Necdet Osam in his office along with EMU Faculty of Tourism Dean Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç and Vice-Deans Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ali Öztüren and Asst. Prof. Dr. Mehmet Güven Ardahan. Prof. Dr. Osam thanked Chef Claudio Chinali for accepting their invitation and participating in the EMU Tourism Faculty Career Days event. Chinali emphasized that the event was very useful and that he really liked EMU and its campus. Chinali concluded by highlighting that he will be happy to participate in future talks and events at the university.
