Academy of Chocolate Webinar – The Craft of Victory: Award-Winning Chocolatiers Discuss Their Journey
Academy of Chocolate Webinar – The Craft of Victory: Award-Winning Chocolatiers Discuss Their Journey
The Academy of Chocolate is excited to present our “In Conversation With” webinar series: The Craft of Victory: Award-Winning Chocolatiers Discuss Their Journey.
In this hour-long session, we’ll explore the inspirations behind the unique flavour creations of three AOC Award Winners: Alistair Birt MCA from Harro (UK), Rita Zamoshchina from La Carambole Patisserie (Amsterdam), and Pavel Pavlov from La Fève (Bulgaria). We’ll discover how cultural influences shape their work, how they balance tradition with innovation, and how they adapt to market trends and engage with customers. The panel will also discuss the challenges they face, the impact of awards, and their approach to seasonal chocolates.
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The event will be hosted by Cherrie Lo, a Board Member of the Academy of Chocolate and a long-standing Grand Jury judge for chocolate awards. With 15 years of experience in the chocolate industry, Cherrie has frequently appeared on global television and in magazines to promote the art of chocolate. She will be joined by a distinguished panel of AOC award winners for an engaging and insightful discussion.
We look forward to having you join us on this chocolate journey!
Date : Tuesday 8th Oct 2024
Time : 19:00-20:00 (BST)
Price : £15 per person (Non-refundable)
Zoom link will be shared via registered email 1 day prior to event.
Registration deadline: Sunday 6th Oct 2024, 23:59 (BST)
Panelists:
Alistair Birt MCA – Harrods, United Kingdom
Rita Zamoshchina – La Carambole Patisserie, Amsterdam
Pavel Pavlov – La Fève, Bulgaria
Moderator:
Cherrie Lo – AOC Board Member
|About Alistair Birt MCA – Harrods, United Kingdom|
Instagram: alistairbirt
Website: www.harrods.com
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Alistair is a distinguished pastry chef and chocolatier with a remarkable career in the culinary arts. While completing his degree in Culinary Arts Management, he represented the UK in pastry and confectionery at WorldSkills 2009 in Canada, securing 5th place and earning a Medallion of Excellence. After his studies, Alistair joined William Curley MCA, where he spent six years rising to the position of Head Chocolatier. During this time, he was awarded the prestigious Acorn Award and became the UK Chocolate Master, competing in Paris in 2015.
In 2016, Alistair took on the role of Head Pastry Chef at Harrods, where he played a key role in transforming the pastry offerings across both retail and the restaurant portfolio.
In 2022, Alistair was named “Pastry Chef of the Year” by the Craft Guild of Chefs, served as the British judge for the World Chocolate Masters, and earned the title of Master of Culinary Arts (MCA).
His leadership extended to mentoring young pastry chefs, guiding them to success in various industry competitions. Alistair currently chairs the Trailblazer Committee, contributing to the development of the Pastry Apprenticeship Standard for the Department of Education. Most recently, he has taken on the role of Committee Chair for RACA’s Annual Awards of Excellence, continuing to shape the future of the pastry industry.
|About Rita Zamoshchina – La Carambole Patisserie, Amsterdam|
Instagram: sweet_carambole
Website: www.crmbl.nl
Rita, a creative artist and theatre professional with over 20 years of experience, has channelled her creative energy into the world of chocolate. After living in various countries, she found her home in the Netherlands, where she established La Carambole Patisserie, her chocolate studio, in 2017. At La Carambole Patisserie, Rita crafts exquisite bonbons using Bean to Bar chocolate sourced from around the globe, infusing her work with artistic flair and a passion for innovation.
Beyond creating chocolates, Rita hosts tastings and master classes, guiding chocolate enthusiasts on a journey to become connoisseurs of craft chocolate. She also designs educational games centered around chocolate, including unique advent calendars and puzzles. Known for her avant-garde approach, Rita experiments with bold flavours and unconventional ideas, constantly pushing the boundaries of traditional chocolate-making.
|About Pavel Pavlov – La Fève, Bulgaria|
Instagram: la_feve_by_pavel_pavlov
Website: https://lafeve.shop/en
Following stints at Michelin-starred restaurants, Pavel Pavlov discovered his knack and passion for chocolate in Norway. He founded La Fève there, quickly establishing himself as one of Scandinavia’s most prominent chocolatiers. In 2021 he brought La Fève to Sofia and has since won every significant award possible.
La Fève’s mission is to prove Bulgaria can be home to the exquisite, the extravagant, the premium and the well-thought-out. La Fève’s flavours range from the hyper-local (Rose Geranium or Yoghurt, Walnuts and Honey to name a few) to the spectacularly global (Black Garlic or Smoked Bacon to, again, prove a point).
|About Cherrie Lo – Academy of Chocolate Board Member|
Instagram: cherrielo.chocolate
Website: www.cherrielo.com
Cherrie Lo is a renowned chocolate professional from Hong Kong, now based in London, with over 15 years of industry experience. She is a certified Chocolate Taster, Co-Author of CACAOSOURCE, and serves as a Board Member and Grand Jury member at the Academy of Chocolate and Judge at the Great Taste Awards.
Featured in numerous international media outlets, including TVB, ViuTV, Travel+Leisure, and the South China Morning Post, Cherrie has become a recognized authority in the chocolate industry. She frequently hosts chocolate tasting events, sharing her deep passion and expertise in chocolate trends and bridging the culinary worlds of Europe and Asia. Her insights and knowledge have made her a sought-after speaker and TV guest host, further establishing her influence in the global chocolate community.