Constanza Sánchez
In an exciting conclusion, five students from the School of Hospitality and Tourism in Alcalá de Henares have been awarded as the best in the world at the International Student’s Creative Food Championship, recently held in Italy.
This prestigious recognition places the school at the top of the gastronomic field, surpassing fourteen educational centers from twelve countries, including powerhouses like China, Vietnam, France, Slovakia, and Slovenia.
The award-winning team is composed of the talented students Esther, Enrique, Juan Ramón, Diego, and Eduardo, who had the unwavering support of their teachers and coaches, Ángel Calero and Rubén Príncipe.
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«We competed against fourteen hospitality schools from twelve different countries. We received awards for the best service, best meat dish, and the most resourceful team,» shares Rubén upon returning to Madrid with the trophy in hand.
The journey to this triumph was not easy. «It has been challenging, but we are truly surprised by the result. In the end, the effort has paid off,» expresses Diego in light of the outcome.
It seems they came together as a team specifically for this competition: «We got to know each other to form a team just for this contest, and we really bonded,» says Juan Ramón.
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«They told us that if we wanted to go to an international competition, the greatest prize is the teammates. Getting to know each other and forming that bond, that’s the most beautiful part of it all,» assures Eduardo. For weeks, they dedicated numerous hours every Tuesday to rehearse and prepare to ensure everything went perfectly.
Likewise, Ángel Calero emphasizes the importance of service in a country where tourism and dining are essential: «We live in a country that globally ranks in the top three in tourism and dining. The service in the dining room is undervalued, and competitions like this help us to highlight the work done in the dining room.»
The team also shares their future aspirations. «Now, it’s time to work hard on languages and continue my professional development in the job market,» adds Enrique.
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«My role was truly to ensure people had an experience within the dining room. The service is what builds loyalty. In the end, you go to a restaurant to eat and drink, but if you are not treated well or as you expect in that restaurant, you probably won’t return,» concludes Esther.
With this outstanding achievement, the School of Hospitality and Tourism in Alcalá de Henares has not only demonstrated its educational excellence, but has also elevated the value of young talent in the gastronomic sector. Without a doubt, Alcalá brings home not only a trophy, but a testament to the hard work and dedication of its students.
