On 13th March 2025, the Millennium Global International School’s Cooking Club (patroned by Kids254 Kenya) embarked on an exciting learning trip to Best Western Plus Westlands.
Our cooking club instructor, Chef Harun, warmly welcomed us to the hotel, where we had the opportunity to explore the world of culinary arts beyond our usual learning environment. We don't only meet in the classroom but also in the kitchen, where we have practical sessions that make our lessons even more engaging. A total of nine students and I, Ms Petronilla, attended the trip, eager to gain hands-on experience in professional cooking.
ARRIVAL AND WELCOME:
Upon arrival at the hotel's front office/lobby, we were greeted enthusiastically by the staff, who introduced themselves with warmth and professionalism. They then handed us over to Chef Harun, who would be our guide for the day.
TOUR OF THE HOTEL:
Chef Harun took us on an exciting tour through various departments of the hotel, giving us insight into the inner workings of a professional hospitality establishment. Here are some of the highlights:
1. Conference Rooms: We got to see the elegant and well-equipped spaces used for business meetings and events. The staff explained how different setups are arranged to suit client needs.
2. Laundry Area: We learned about the high standards of cleanliness required in the hospitality industry and saw the large machines used for washing, drying, and ironing hotel linens and uniforms.
3. Kitchen Departments: The tour of the kitchens was the most exciting part for the students, as they got to see where all the delicious meals are prepared. We explored:
•Bakery Section: We saw a variety of freshly baked pastries, cakes, and bread. The best part was getting to taste some of them – a delightful treat for everyone!
•Meat Section: Here, we learned how different cuts of meat are prepared and stored under strict hygiene standards.
•Cooling Room for Fruits & Vegetables: This area was fascinating as we saw how fresh produce is kept at the right temperature to maintain quality and freshness.
•Restaurants: The hotel has multiple dining areas, each with its unique ambiance and menu offerings.
We visited:
••A fine dining restaurant, where guests enjoy gourmet meals in an elegant setting.
••A casual dining space, where quick and delicious meals are served to guests looking for a relaxed experience.
••A buffet section, where a wide variety of dishes are displayed beautifully, offering something for everyone.
LUNCH EXPERIENCE:
After our tour, we headed to one of the hotel's restaurants for lunch. The students were thrilled to choose from a variety of pizza flavors and refreshing juice options. The meal was not just delicious but also a moment to reflect on everything we had learned throughout the visit.
STUDENT REFLECTIONS
The students expressed great enthusiasm about the trip, sharing their thoughts on what they enjoyed most:
“I loved tasting the pastries in the bakery! It was so interesting to see how they were made.”
“The tour of the different kitchen sections opened my eyes to how much work goes into preparing meals at a hotel.”
“Learning about food storage and hygiene in a professional setting was really valuable.”
SKILLS LEARNT
During the trip, students gained practical knowledge in:
•Understanding different kitchen sections and their roles in food preparation.
•Hygiene and safety measures in a professional kitchen.
•Food presentation and storage techniques.
•The importance of teamwork in a hotel kitchen environment.
FUTURE PLANS
Inspired by this experience, the MGIS Cooking Club plans to:
1. Incorporate more hands-on baking and cooking sessions in our school kitchen.
2. Organize similar visits to other hospitality establishments.
3. Invite professional chefs to demonstrate advanced cooking techniques.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Chef Harun for his warm hospitality and mentorship. We also appreciate the Best Western Plus Westlands team for taking the time to show us around and share their expertise. Special thanks to our school directors and the team at Kids254 Kenya for making this educational trip possible.
The trip to Best Western Plus Westlands was an unforgettable experience that deepened our love for cooking and gave us valuable insights into the professional culinary world.
Report by Ms. Petronilla Miroyo
Food & Nutrition Instructor at MGIS
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