Next to standard lessons, the theoretical part of the
educational program for cooks also included meetings with interesting chefs.
Maia Kalandia, finalist of the TV show “My kitchen rules” and inventor of the
sauce “Uketesi,” held a session about the peculiarities of Megrelian dishes, as
well as the usage and classification of spices. Another special guest was
Dalila Tsatava, President of the Georgian Gastronomy Association, who spoke online
about the art of cooking.

To bring the theory alive, a study visit to the Hotel Garden
Palace was organized. Here, participants met the chef and sous-chef. The purpose of
the visit was to get familiar with the standard layout of a professional kitchen,
technical equipment, and workplace rules.

The dual education program is part of the EU-funded project
“EU4Youth – Enhancing Youth Education, Employment and Participation in
Conflict-affected Areas in Georgia and Ukraine.” The project aims to widen
education, employment, and entrepreneurial opportunities for internally
displaced persons and conflict-affected youth and encourages their significant
participation in the community. In Georgia, it is implemented by the Danish
Refugee Council (DRC) and the Education Development and Employment Center
(EDEC).