JAMIE LEE

As culinary graduates go, Jamie Lee is a compelling example of what the NZ School of Food & Wine aims to achieve: developing skilled, knowledgeable food professionals with the confidence to carve out their own career paths.

Completing the NZ School of Food and & Wine's Level 4 in Cookery this year, Jamie says the programme has equipper her with both practical culinary expertise and a deeper understanding of the science behind food.

The focus on learning some of the science of food was one of the strongest drawcards for Jamie to study at the NZ School of Food & Wine and the advanced qualification challenged her to build a broad skill set around it.

Originally from Malaysia, Jamie was drawn to the school because of its strong focus on learning about food as well as the practical hands-on aspect of how to make it. "Subjects like food science, cheese and wine really interested me and I wanted to learn more about the techniques and processes behind great food."

Jamie's Favourite Dish

One of Jamie's favourites over the course of her study is Beef Wellington. "I love making Beef Wellington because we create everything from scratch, including the puff pastry. Learning how all the compnents are layered is really rewarding to study - from making the pastry and the mushroom mouse to the finished dish. It looks beautiful on the place when done well - and it's delicious."

Learning how the Maillard reaction makes food taste has also been a highlight for Jamie. She says it gives her a strong understanding of how certain cooking techniques create the best flavours and textures. "I now know how to cook different types of meat properly. I understand which ones are best for barbecuing, which need slow cooking and how to bring out the best tenderness and taste."

Jamie's highlights studying at NZSFW

Learning to work closely with others has also been one of her most valuable take-aways from the NZ School of Food & Wine. "Working with classmates on assignments has taught me how important teamwork and patience are in the industry. You have to work with different personalities and support each other under pressure. It's a key part of successful hospitality."

While food has become her key focus, Jamie arrived in New Zealand in 2018, as a 17-year old, to study film and media but it was while working part-time in hospitality roles that she fell in roll with food, she says. "I fell in love with food through working in hospitality roles, like being a kitchen runner. I really enjoy media and storytelling so I would like to bring those skills together with food in the future."

Jamie's take on life and study in New Zealand

Based in Auckland, Jamie encourages other international students to embrace new experiences. "If you're coming to a new country to learn, make sure you move out of your comfort zone. Learn the culture, make diverse friends and get involved. It makes life easier and more enjoyable - and ensures that you're able to learn in depth when you understand the language and cultures around you."