UCB partners with Délice to support food education and chef training
University College Birmingham (UCB) has partnered with the Délice network of global food cities to bolster chef training and gastronomic education.
The organisation's 22 cities include: Barcelona, Gothenburg, Helsinki, Madrid, Hong Kong, Chicago, Guangzhou and Lyon, with Birmingham the only UK representative.
Consultant chef director David Colcombe, a visiting professor of Culinary Arts at UCB, represented Birmingham at the Délice annual general meeting in Aarhus, Denmark - the European Capital of Culture and European Region of Gastronomy for 2017.
Professor Ray Linforth, vice-chancellor and principal of UCB said: "Birmingham's exciting food culture continues to grow apace and attract international attention. Délice provides a great platform to exchange ideas and learn about the industry-leading work of our European and global partners. Membership opens up enriching educational opportunities for students and young food professionals, as well as the wider Birmingham food and hospitality community."
Chef Colcombe, consultant chef director at Birmingham communications consultancy Liquid, told Aarhus delegates about the city's food heritage, its latest culinary developments and its commitment to fostering training and skills acquisition for chefs.
Colcombe said: "Birmingham was one of the first members of Délice, which was launched in 2007 to champion diverse food cultures and celebrate gastronomic excellence. The city has now re-established its connection with this influential food organisation with the invaluable support of UCB.
"The annual meeting in Aarhus provided a great opportunity to reintroduce Birmingham to the network's members and update them on its food journey, from the vibrant street food scene and casual dining to restaurants lauded by the Michelin Guide.
"Birmingham now hopes to move forward with its outstanding local network of chefs and training establishments. I passionately believe it is important for the city to explore new initiatives and engage in the international arena. Délice has representation across five continents, so hearing the variety of speakers in Denmark highlighted how far we can still go, and where Birmingham needs to strive to be."
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