The first activation of the authentic culinary festival: a special workshop for culinary students
ORANJESTAD—On October 10, more than 175 students from Colegio EPI, EPB Oranjestad, and EPB San Nicolas participated in the first activation of the Autentico Culinary Festival, an engaging and educational workshop designed especially for aspiring culinary professionals.
This activation forms part of the Culinary Education Plan, an initiative by the Aruba Tourism Authority (A.T.A.) in collaboration with the festival. The workshop offered students valuable insights into the culinary industry and served as a source of inspiration for those pursuing careers in the field.
Throughout the program, students learned directly from several industry experts. Chef Aldwin Donata, Executive Chef, shared his personal journey and inspired students to pursue their culinary dreams with passion and dedication.
Lorraine Cooyman presented the theme “From Farm to Table,” highlighting the importance of sustainability and the use of local products in gastronomy. Drawing from her experience as a farmer, she emphasized the connection between agriculture and cuisine. Cooyman also provided students with microgreens to taste and take home, offering a hands-on experience straight from the source.
Zaida Everon, a bread sommelier, demonstrated how bread can elevate the culinary experience by pairing it with traditional Creole dishes. Her interactive session allowed students to see, smell, and taste freshly baked sourdough bread while learning about different bread-making techniques.
Jessika Theysen, a wine sommelier, guided students through the art of pairing wines with various dishes and explained the techniques involved in proper wine service. She emphasized that serving wine is more than just a gesture; it is an experience that creates a lasting impression.
The program concluded with a live dessert demonstration by Executive Chef Jean Claude Werleman. His session offered students a visual and practical understanding of how creativity and technique play key roles in dessert and pastry preparation. Students who correctly answered Chef Werleman’s questions were rewarded with the opportunity to taste the dessert.
The Aruba Tourism Authority extends its sincere appreciation to all participants and contributors for making this first activation a success and thanks the participating schools for their active engagement and enthusiasm.