Two Culinary Students Work At La Trattoria
La Trattoria collaborated with Bermuda College to give two culinary students, Terrai Trott and Mya Rodrigues, hands-on hospitality experience through a summer internship programme.
A spokesperson said, “La Trattoria has welcomed families for decades but many might not know they have also been working quietly behind the scenes to engage Bermuda’s youth and encourage them to consider careers in the hospitality industry.
“A new initiative was held this Summer in collaboration with the Bermuda College and led by Executive Chef Angelo D’Amato, Front of House Ilaria Biassoni and Director Emilio Barbieri, who all strongly believe it is imperative to invest in Bermuda’s youth.
“The collaboration came about when La Trattoria approached its HR Department to find students for an internship program. The team connected with Rui De Sa [Chair of Hospitality and Culinary at Bermuda College] who recommended a couple of students from their Culinary Arts program for interviews. La Trattoria hired two students, Terrai Trott and Mya Rodrigues, for a Summer Internship and students also had the opportunity to gain experience at Café 4, Little Venice and Fourways.
“Terrai and Mya started in May and gained on-site experience until they returned to school at the end of August. Chief of Marketing for the Little Venice Group, Belinda Barbieri, recently had the opportunity to sit down with Terrai whose enthusiasm and passion beamed from his face.
What program are you currently doing?
- Mr Trott said, “I am participating in the Bermuda Association of Culinary Arts program and I am in my last year.”
Why did you want to become a chef?
- Mr Trott said, “It’s a form of independence. If you can cook, you can do it all .. and it all starts with the simplest of things.”
Did anyone inspire you?
- Mr Trott said, “A teacher Ms. Anderson at CedarBridge Academy inspired me … she gave me the opportunity to gain experience in a kitchen during high school.”
How did you find out about this program?
- Mr Trott said, “I found out about the La Trattoria internship from my Bermuda College teacher Mr. Rui De Sa who then submitted our names. At the beginning of the year we did interviews.”
What did you enjoy the most?
- Mr Trott said, “Getting the opportunity to move around and try different kitchens .. at La Trattoria mostly with caterings, the pasta station and doing a different style of cooking. At Cafe4 working at the salad bar, open buffet and helping with the pad Thai pop up and fresh donuts. I also gained experience at brunch at Fourways and helped with a catering for a wedding in St. George’s.”
Which location was your favorite?
- Mr Trott said, “Can’t really say I have a favorite as they are all different … It reinforced 100% that I want to become a chef.”
What advice would you give to young people thinking about the hospitality industry?
- Mr Trott said, “Take your time … think about it .. if you are interested jump in and try. I want to thank the Little Venice Group, La Trattoria and the chefs for this opportunity.”
“La Trattoria has also partnered with Northland’s Primary and Paget Primary in the past to create after-school programs aimed at Upper primary students that ran every Monday afternoon during the school year.
“The goal was to showcase the hospitality industry and inspire young students to learn more about it. Students said that their favourite activity was making their own pizza and then eating it afterwards! The students also observed dishes being prepared, the running of the kitchen as well as the front of house.
“The after-school program was led by Executive chef Angelo D’Amato and Manager Ilaria Biassoni. La Trattoria underwrote the associated expenses as part of their commitment to investing in Bermuda’s future. For more information on La Trattoria visit www.latrattoria.bm.”
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