Chef vs student: international students learn from the best of the west, online
Western Melbourne Tourism and Get Lost Travel Group, together with the School for the Visitor Economy, VU, launched ‘Hanging Local’ in January 2020. The program, funded through Study Melbourne, is designed to connect international students with fun experiences in Melbourne’s west, meet new people and create friendships.
Hanging Local was initially designed to involve day trips and activities, but the COVID-19 pandemic meant that in-person catch-ups were no longer possible, and the need for social interaction was more important than ever.
The team thought about fun ways to build connections and experience the best of Melbourne’s west, online. And so, the Hanging Local Virtual: Chef vs Student series was born.
Each episode is hosted by a comedian, and students cook alongside a renowned chef from one of the best restaurants in Melbourne’s west and compete with fellow students. Students, friends and family are invited to participate live.
Students can participate in three different ways:
- Compete & cook: cook on screen with a chef and compete with two other students.
- Cook & learn: cook along as an audience member at home, and enjoy the meal and entertainment.
- Join us: watch and vote for your favourite chef.
The first 30 students to register receive a free ingredients pack, and there are several prizes to win, many of which are sponsored by the School for the Visitor Economy.
So far, students have learnt from Head Chef Sumit Malhotra from Aangan Indian Restaurant, Head Chef Alex Xinis from Almost Like Yiayias, and Head Chef Jack Lee from Bean Smuggler.
