The doors opened, the kitchen heated up and the fun exploded at an action-packed networking experience at the T&T Hospitality and Tourism Institute in Chaguaramas on May 21. YoPro’s May signature networking event, Food Network-ing: Don’t Get Chopped, saw young professionals, each with their own ingredient, form teams to create a fantastic dish to impress the judges.
A release from YoPro said, attendees arrived at 6.30 pm where they were each given a basket of ingredients such as tomatoes, potatoes, onions, lettuce, cucumbers, Ortega taco shells and Ortega salsa to name a few.
They then had one hour to network and get to know other young professionals in the room as they identified four other people who had ingredients they can work with to make a dish.
At 7.30 pm, the cooking began, the team challenge ensued and the kitchen got hot. As teams entered the TTHTI kitchens, they were greeted with Kraft dressings on each station, which they had to incorporate into their dishes.
Each team was then given 45 minutes to prepare their dish. Thirty minutes into the cooking, teams were introduced to Mrs Dash salt-free seasoning as a secret ingredient, and had to also incorporate this into their dish. As teams wrapped up, they were asked to describe their dish and ensure they can explain the use of the secret ingredient. Teams presented their dishes to the four judges and a presentation plate was served to the audience.
“The excitement was so electrifying, it was almost better than watching the show on television. Trinidadian home cooks can really compete with American contestants on Chopped,” said Cherylann Lutchman, YoPro board member.
The judges deliberated, provided their feedback, comments and suggestions. The dish and the team that appealed to the judges’ taste buds and olfactory senses were awarded a $50 gift voucher from Svaada for each attendee.
Other prizes were awarded to the team that had the best use of Mrs Dash, and the team that had the best use of Kraft Dressing. Finally, a special prize from Chaud was awarded to the attendee on the night that best demonstrated leadership. The event brought together networking, team building, food, and a dash of fun all in one special room.
“Food Network-ing spoke to us in a way that we didn’t expect. As we come up with innovative ways to engage young professionals in the community, with the sole purpose of stimulating relationship-building and professional networking, we are always encouraged by the response of Trinidadians who actually engage. I can’t wait to see what happens at the Sushi and Sake Social,” said Dr Ty Richardson, YoPro’s CEO and the host for the evening’s activities.
YoPro’s next event is the YoPro Creative (Media and Entertainment) Opportunity Fair on June 27, and on July 16, they return to Food Network-ing, with a Sushi and Sake Social.
• For more information about YoPro, visit www.eypglobal.com and check out Facebook page at facebook.com/yoprott or contact 362-3945 or email admin@yoproglobal.org.
“Food Network-ing spoke to us in a way that we didn’t expect. As we come up with innovative ways to engage young professionals in the community, with the sole purpose of stimulating relationship-building and professional networking, we are always encouraged by the response of Trinidadians who actually engage. I can’t wait to see what happens at the Sushi and Sake Social.”
—Dr Ty Richardson,
YoPro’s CEO