Training Experiences

On the 12th & 13th of October 2024, NOWAH organized an extremely successful Masterclass by Pastry World Cup Champion Massimo Pica, for a small group of pastry professionals, at the Claire Clark Academy. Massimo worked on elements of Advanced Viennoiserie, Panettone, and Advanced Chocolate decoration techniques used to create showpiece sculptures.  

The participants taking place were senior pastry chefs from The Shangri-la Shard, The Savoy, The Dorchester, Ganache Jersey, Harrods, Cameron House, Home Chocolate Factory and Chef Claire Clark. More photos and videos in the gallery below, on our Instagram page and our YouTube channel

In November 2023, NOWAH had the pleasure of hosting ten highly talented pastry chefs for four days in Italy. The chefs spent the first day visiting the KMP factory and kitchens in Thiene where, together with chef Vincenzo Mascio, they made various doughs and products using an Avancini SP20V variable-speed spiral mixer.

 On day two, the chefs spent the day relaxing and sightseeing in the beautiful city of Venice. On day three and four, the chefs had 1-on-1 instruction from Pastry World Cup Champion Massimo Pica, at the renowned Pica Pastry School in Milan. Massimo conducted upskill days on Panettone and advanced Viennoiserie, but as an extra-special treat he, together with European Pastry Cup Champion Nicolas Houchet, recreated the 2021 Pastry World Cup winning chocolate flower. Away from the class, the chefs visited Piazza del Duomo, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II and All'antico Vinaio, Milano. Photos from the trip are below, while videos & photos are on our Instagram & YouTube Channel. Quotes from the chefs, Massimo and Vincenzo on Testimonials Page.

In June 2023, Leeds City College and NOWAH arranged for Pastry World Cup Champion Massimo Pica, to provide 8 sessions of upskills training for the Pastry Department Lecturers within the School of Travel, Food & Drink. Massimo and the lecturers worked on elements of: Advanced Viennoiserie, that included avant-garde fillings; Modern Pastry Creations with glaze and decoration in chocolate; Bakery Cakes in Italian and Continental style; Artisan Cookies, including various types of Italian and Viennese favourites.

 Everyone at LCC warmly welcomed Massimo, and his colleague Ginevra, making them feel at-home from the very first day. Despite busy end-of-year examinations and course-planning schedules, lecturers Ian, Emma and Andrea were able to soak up the experience and fully enjoy the classes.

Donna Feeny, Head of The School of Travel, Food & Drink stated:  

"We are really enjoying Massimo and Ginevra’s company here in Leeds, they are lovely people and obviously the training and opportunities are second to none; our team can now pass on these skills to our aspiring future chefs"

NOWAH were delighted to help Leeds City College plan these sessions, and we will continue assisting in the future by engaging similarly talented professionals, who can provide CPD, upskills and Masterclasses to LCC teaching staff; so LCC students continue to receive an exceptional learning experience from one of the UK's top culinary schools. 

More photos and videos from the masterclasses in the photo gallery below, on our Instagram page and our YouTube channel

On 10/05/23 La Pastaia and NOWAH arranged for award-winning pasta chef Otello to visit student chefs at the Cambridge Regional College culinary department. Otello showed students how to make a variety of fresh pastas, using a La Pastaia machine, and then helped them prepare and plate a selection of delicious dishes using simple fresh ingredients. 

Graham Taylor, Head of Culinary Arts Management Team at CRC, welcomed Otello, La Pastaia and us to the college, and then joined the young chefs in the pasta making process, while reiterating the importance for all chefs to continuously develop new skills, be up-to-date with culinary trends, and always strive for healthy and sustainable menus.

NOWAH were delighted to support the student chefs and staff at Cambridge Regional College, and will continue to do so, by engaging talented professionals, and providing more specialist equipment and training; so that young chefs have the best start in their professional careers. 

More photos and videos from our visit to the college in the photo gallery below, on our Instagram page and our YouTube channel

In November 2022, NOWAH had the pleasure of hosting 6 outstanding Pastry Chefs for 3 days in Italy. The chefs had two days of one-on-one instruction from Pastry World Cup Champion Massimo Pica, at the renowned Pica Pastry School in Milan. Classes were on Panettone, Bean-to-Bar Chocolate work and Viennoiserie. Away from class, the chefs had the chance to enjoy the sights of Milan, visit some of the city's wonderful restaurants, and enjoy evening drinks overlooking the Piazza del Duomo.

Photos from the trip in the photo gallery below, on our Instagram page, and videos on our YouTube Channel. 

Quotes from The Chefs, Massimo Pica, Steve Munkley (Craft Guild of Chefs), Nicola Randon (KEMPLEX) and our Director on Testimonials Page

NOWAH is always happy to support and sponsor worthwhile events, competitions, awards, training and professional development opportunities, promoted by professional bodies, organisations and individuals. 

NOWAH freely offers its support, and collaborates with professional chefs wishing to organise/ provide up-skills and training opportunities.