First Post and ICIF

Of course you are welcome to hang around. I think we have at least one other Greek, if I am not mistaken.
Enjoy!

Kali mera- tikanis! Welcome to Chef Talk, Caribean.

We have many European and Asian members- even one from Antarctica. And yes, Greeks and Greek-wannabees, like me.

Please stop in at the Welcome Forum and give us a general introduction. Then feel at home to browse the forums and add your two drachmae worth.

Are the papaveri in bloom yet? Ahhh!

My culinary school offered a culinary tour of Italy for those willing to pay. One of the chef instructors outlined a trip of sight-seeing and dinner in some fabulous places. The highlight of the trip was the dinner at the ICIF. It was a remarkable seven course dinner. I'd have to refer to my travel notebook for more about the dinner.

As well, we had a tour of the place. While I don't know anything about the instructors there, the facilities were exceptional. The only downside I saw was that all stoves were electric. The lecture-demo room was impressive. Each student has his own two burner stove, an oven, small prep table, small refridgerator, and television which was hooked up to a camera which is pointed at the instructors cutting board. There is a wine cellar classroom for a wine appreciation class, again each student has individual stations.

Class sizes looked to be anywhere from 15 to 30. Everything there looked more geared for personal prep and cookery than team or group assignments. So, I imagine it would be an excellent place to learn.

A classmate of mine did eventually go to school there. She loved the school immensly, though had some difficulty during the internship, due to the fact she was female, American, and didn't speak Italian fluently.

Welcome to Chef Talk Alexander!

 

There is a website of school where no trust, no quality, no knowledge: http://www.icif.com/eng/ICIF-Cooking-School-Cooking-Courses.php .

In September 2011 I took a Short Course in Italian Cooking and Oenology in ICIF Italian Culinary Institute for Foreigners.

Before choosing these studies I contacted their office in order to be sure that I found exactly what I was looking for. I wanted to have not only cooking classes but also a gastronomical part and wine classes. I also told my situation - that I am an owner of the whole chain of restaurants and I want just to deepen my knowledge. I explained that I have big experience in restaurant business and I asked for confirmation that studies are strong and interesting enough. They confirmed me that this course is exactly what I was looking for. Problems started one week before the beginning of this course. School sent an apology e-mail informing that courses are postponed for one week because of delayed preparation of documentation for other foreign students. As I am a businessman I plan my time in advance - so I asked for compensation or discount - this was rejected.

          To secure myself I agreed to participate one week instead of three weeks and to pay 1000€ instead of 3000€. University has a rule that 30% should be paid in advance. But I paid the whole amount, i.e. 1000€ for one week.

          During the first day of studies only technical information was provided: what clothes you should wear and how you should behave (absolutely basic to everyone who participated in any type of restaurant business) and nothing similar to intensive short course. After second day, when they showed just a recipe and how to make a dish, I understood that this course in not for me. I informed the school that I was stopping my studies and, of course, they agreed. At the beginning they made an offer to come to any class of three weeks course to finish 7 days for which I paid money and I agreed. When I started to plan my time, after 4 days they changed their mind and stopped this possibility. Then I asked to refund part of the money, but they also rejected.

So, I have to state that this university is a very low quality and you cannot trust in anything they say or do. This letter is to everyone who plans to study there. Just be sure that they can trick you in any situation. No trust, no quality, no knowledge!