Knowledge is key at student cafe
TAMARA THORN
Toi Ohomai hospitality students have been showing off their talents and giving the community an opportunity to try their food first hand.
Previously known as Waiariki Institute of Technology, Toi Ohomai is one of two institutes in the area [Tokoroa and Taupo¯ ] that has a cafe open to the public where students can show off their skills.
Food and beverage coordinator Lorna Skelton said the idea of the course was to get firsthand experience and continuously make food and drinks rather then doing it once and moving on.
‘‘It is a commercial environment with education,’’ she said.
She said the cafe is small but the community love to get involved.
‘‘More people are coming in and are getting to know what we are doing.’’
Skelton said the cafe was a not-for-profit business, but in order to supply the food it comes at a small cost to customers.
She said all the food including breads, noodles and syrups for the drinks are made from scratch.
‘‘Everything is hands-on,’’ she said.
Student Cafe Manager Wana Fairbrother and chef Kahu Cremins said they enjoy studying and learning new skills.
‘‘ We have top quality training and facilities,’’ said Cremins.
’’We are lucky to have them [tutors] and what they do.’’
Cremins has been cooking since she was a little girl, something that runs in her family.
‘‘Eating is a lifestyle and it needs to change, starting with kids. But you can’t teach without the knowledge.’’
Fairbrother said she has cafe experience but wanted to refine her skills.
‘‘This is the only experience I’ve enjoyed...the teachers want us to be better,’’ she said.
Fairbrother said she loves food and travel and wants to make a lifestyle out of both these things.