Cocina Creativa 2022
The third edition of Cocina Creativa comes to end, where 20 young talented Dominicans worked to enhance their gastronomic knowledge and skills in alliance with Instituto Nacional de Formación Técnico Profesional (INFOTEP) a (national institute for professional technical training. One of these young talents resulted the winner of a full scholarship to study a workshop improvement of culinary techniques at the Basque Culinary Center school in Spain, an academic institution that stands out in gastronomy worldwide.
Since 2019, Cocina Creativa has been a means of learning at the hands of great professionals and teachers in culinary matters, who guide and encourage young people to reach the next level in their careers. There were 8 challenging weeks where the participants prepared new dishes, stimulating creativity and experiencing the reality of the gastronomic sector.
For many of these youths, cooking is a way of transmitting their joys, developing their passion and living new experiences. In this edition, the diploma course was characterized by teaching the participants the essential values to achieve success in the gastronomy sector, these being discipline, consistency, perseverance and creativity.
Honestly, it fills me with great pride to see how every year more and more young people are encouraged to pursue their dreams. On December 18, Audry Brito was crowned as 1st place winner of this third edition of the diploma course Cocina Creativa, which has served as a tool and a propitious means for him to have a new academic experience in Europe, the cradle of the gastronomy of the world, where he will improve and perfect his cooking techniques.
Finally, Geral Pío Benitez and José Andrés Peguero Guzmán also won the 2nd and 3rd place prize, which gives them access to internships in 5-star hotels in the Dominican Republic. Congratulations to all, I wish you an excellent future!
Interview with the Winner of the 3rd Edition of the Culinary Diploma
After exploring with you the conclusion of the fourth edition of the Creative Cooking Diploma, where young Dominicans dedicated their effort and determination to stand out in the competition, it is a privilege to present the interview with the winner, Kathy Rosario. Not only does she stand out as the first woman to emerge victorious in this competition, but she also serves as a tangible example of perseverance in the pursuit of professional goals. Kathy, as she herself emphasizes, did not experience her first foray into the competition, but her second, and despite the challenges, she persisted in her pursuit of progress in her professional career. In this vein, it is an honor to share the exclusive conversation with the recent diploma winner: Good morning, my name is Kathy Paola Rosario Gil, and I'm from Pimentel, a province belonging to the San Francisco de Macorís region. What led you to participate in the Creative Cooking Diploma, and how do you feel about being selected as the winner? Kathy Rosario: The first thing that motivated me to participate in this competition was the desire to grow, surpass myself, and demonstrate that a woman can do it, even on her own. Last year, I participated,
Emerging talents shine in the 2023 Creative Cooking Diploma
An initiative that turns dreams into realities and takes an extraordinary turn in the Dominican gastronomic future. It is with great joy and satisfaction that I share with you the conclusion of the fourth edition of the Creative Cooking Diploma, an initiative that I proudly support and sponsor to boost Dominican culinary talent. This project, developed in collaboration with the National Institute of Technical and Vocational Training (INFOTEP), has proven to be a breeding ground for exceptional culinary skills and has left an indelible mark on the gastronomic scene of the Dominican Republic. This year, we had the pleasure of witnessing a special milestone: the victory of a woman, Katy Paola Gil, who stood out as the well-deserved winner of this edition. In a clear demonstration of the growing female presence in the Dominican culinary scene, Kathy not only takes home the title of champion but also a valuable scholarship to participate in an advanced culinary techniques workshop at the renowned Basque Culinary Center in Spain. I am proud to be a part of this transformative experience for 25 young people from the Eastern region of the Dominican Republic, who, with dedication and passion, have elevated their culinary skills to new heights. The conclusion
Plastic Reduction: companies leading the way towards plastic usage reduction
It is no secret that the issue of plastic has become one of the most pressing challenges for our planet today. The massive production and indiscriminate use of plastics have had a devastating impact on our ecosystems, threatening marine life, contaminating water, and affecting our health. However, amidst this concerning reality, there is a ray of hope. In the face of this challenge, many companies have decided to take bold measures to reduce their dependence on plastic and find sustainable alternatives to maintain their business success. Let's take a look at some of these pioneering companies and the solutions they are implementing to address this crisis. Patagonia: Towards a Circular Economy The renowned outdoor clothing brand, Patagonia, has long been a benchmark for sustainability and environmental responsibility. Founded in 1973 by Yvon Chouinard, their focus on a circular economy has been a cornerstone of their strategy to reduce plastic usage. They have implemented a clothing recycling program where customers can return used garments for reuse or recycling into new products. Additionally, the company has significantly reduced plastic packaging for their products and opted for recycled and biodegradable materials whenever possible. Undoubtedly, Patagonia's initiative not only promotes a significant reduction of plastic in their supply