In April 2025, Tourism, Hospitality, and Event Management Programme under the Department of Cultural Creativity and Design, at the School of Culture and Creativity collaborated with SEG (Swiss Education Group) to conduct a series of engaging culinary practice courses in Classroom B107, Building D6, Phase II. These courses guided students to explore the aesthetic essence of the hotel and catering industry from multiple dimensions, including taste, social etiquette, and visual presentation.

The practical workshop series invited Ms. Rita Wang, Manager of the Italian Restaurant at The St. Regis Zhuhai, as the guest instructor. During the Wine Tasting session on April 9, students systematically learned about wine color classification and sweetness levels under Ms. Wang's guidance. The ice-breaking activity involved participants applying fundamental wine tasting techniques to look, smell, and taste three distinct wine varieties.

The Fine Dining Table Manner workshop on April 16 was equally remarkable. Ms. Rita Wang highlighted the core characteristics of fine dining - its premium pricing, exquisite presentation, ceremonial nature, and customer experience focus. She systematically explained various menu types, cutlery identification, seating etiquette, napkin usage, and dining procedures. Through scenario simulations, Ms. Wang transformed into a service staff member, allowing students to experience authentic Western fine dining scenarios. Drawing from her professional experience, she analyzed service style differences across American, British, and French cultures, while also teaching wine pairing techniques and customer complaint resolution methods.

The culminating session on April 23 featured an immersive mixology experience. Ms. Rita Wang demonstrated essential bartending techniques, including shaker and mixing glass usage, ice handling, and straight-pour methods. Under her guidance, students practiced blending, building, and shaking techniques to create classic cocktails like Martinis, Daiquiris, and Rainbow shots, gaining hands-on appreciation for the art of mixology.

These three workshop sessions seamlessly integrated theoretical knowledge with practical application, enabling students to acquire essential hospitality skills in an engaging learning environment. Through these immersive programs, the THEM Programme aims to build a professional development platform that empowers students to launch successful careers in the hospitality industry, while cultivating a new generation of professionals with both theoretical expertise and practical competencies.

Text: Weilu Wang

Photos: Hairui Wang, Weilu Wang