The Chef’s Class

He’s definitely the city’s most sought-after baker,who can be credited for introducing foodies to European gourmet bakery bites and savouries. Five years on and four outlets later,Nikhil Mittal of Nik Baker’s has finally achieved what he first only dreamt of. He has opened his own culinary institute. “I have always believed that my passion and talents are not mine alone. I wanted to give wings to the dreams of all those who are passionate about food,but lack resources and opportunities to pursue their dreams,” said a visibly excited Mittal,as he threw open the doors to Nik Baking and Cooking Institute in Sector 5,Panchkula on Thursday.

Spread over two floors,the Institute,as Mittal puts it,is open to anyone with passion for food. The setup is very professional,spread across two floors with two well-equipped kitchens that have individual work stations for students. “We don’t want to be a 3D cooking show,we want to be the real thing. Eighty-percent of the training will be practical,hands-on work,” informed Mittal,who has roped in the likes of Chef Hermann Schuller from Germany as a part of the faculty. Schuller’s bio includes working for a slew of five-star properties including Sheraton,Paris. The inaugural day saw Mittal and his team layout a colourful presentation of what will be taught at the Insititute. The courses range from long term professional ones to the quick crash courses. And there’s a mix of everything — from Belgian chocolate making,cupcake and cookie classes to international soups,salads and even Gelato classes. Prices start at Rs 3,500 for a day-long course. And yes,you get to take back home what you learnt to cook.