One of the main goals of Gastronomy study program at Aspira University College in Split and Zagreb is creating top-quality gastronomic products and providing high-grade education of professionals in the field. With that in mind, a top-notch culinary education Practicum was opened at Aspira Zagreb on September 25, 2018.
Although the Practicum was created as a part of the first international Gastronomy study program, it is available for all the students in various education programs created by Aspira to increase professional competencies in tourism and hospitality. The ceremony was attended by numerous Aspira associates and world-class lecturers from the field of tourism, gastronomy and politics: chefs Tomica Đukić, Damir Modrušan, Antun Nišević and Branko Ognjenović, Zagreb mayor’s spokeswoman Nera Pavić and the state secretary of Croatian Ministry of Tourism Tonći Glavina.
The ceremony was opened by the future dean of Aspira University College, Alen Jerkunica, and its creator and originator, Milivoj Jerkunica, both of whom were seemingly pleased with the undeniable success of the first undergraduate study of Gastronomy. Zagreb mayor’s spokeswoman, Nera Pavić, expressed warm approval of the study and emphasized the importance of education for social progress, as well as the significance of synergy of education and practice, which has been implemented in Aspira since its very beginnings. An encouraging speech was given by the state secretary of Croatian Ministry of Tourism, Tonči Glavina, who has been supporting and advocating Aspira University College for many years, together with the Minister of Tourism, Gari Cappelli.
“Aspira is a remarkable story of true entrepreneurship in education and I am glad to have had the opportunity of witnessing it. In Croatia, there is a lack of educated, quality work force in tourism which is, in fact, crucial for its development, as well as the extension of the tourist season. The Gastronomy study program and its culinary Practicum mark an enormous contribution to quality education of future professionals in tourism. “ – said the state secretary.
The most interesting part of the ceremony was culinary Practicum presentation where Gastronomy students, together with the renowned chef and Aspira lecturer, Damir Modrušan, prepared a true taste rhapsody in
three courses. The menu selection was a bit unusual because the students wanted to include the most interesting ingredients form all around Croatia, starting with soparnik (a savoury Swiss chard pie from Poljice), followed by the butternut squash risotto with grated black truffles and slow-roasted pork belly. This gastro story was rounded up by an excellent selection of Croatian wines, as chosen by the members of Aspira Sommelier club.
Following the opening ceremony, the students will continue learning from world-class gastronomy experts, working on separate kitchen units and following mentor’s instructions on the screen. There is no doubt that this kind of high- quality gastro education and state-of-the-art culinary studio will constitute a significant contribution to the development of tourism and make Aspira students top gastro experts.
September, 27, 2018