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The End of II Sammic Scholars’ BasqueStage

Posted by marti | Posted on 13-12-2011

Category : BasqueStage

Tags: 2011, BasqueStage, cameron rolka, marco bahena, Martín Berasategui

photo courtesy of marco bahena

Sunday marked the last day of the II Sammic Scholars’ time in the kitchen of Martín Berasastegui‘s Lasarte restaurant. It was in incredible ride: Marco Bahena and Cameron Rolka arrived to San Sebastián for the first time ever, and were thrown straight into a Spanish (and Basque!) speaking three-Michelin-star restaurant kitchen.

With little to no time to adjust, they had to rely on their previous kitchen training, work ethic, and fearlessness to get them through the six-month stage. While their outside-of-work conditions were privileged, they were subjected to the same chain of command and the same grunt work as any other stage in one of Spain’s best kitchens.

They’ve learned so much, and they’ve kept a chronicle of all the wild experiences they’ve been through on each of their respective blogs.  Coming up later this week, we’ll be publishing some of their best and worst memories, as well as their advice to future BasqueStages (like Ruth and Elisha, who will be on their way to stage next month as the III Sammic Scholars for BasqueStage.

Stay tuned for the inside scoop on what it’s like to stage in one of the world’s best restaurants.

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#basquestage Live Chat : A summary

Posted by marti | Posted on 27-09-2011

Category : BasqueStage

Tags: 2011, application, BasqueStage, cameron rolka, Candidates, marco bahena, Martín Berasategui, Sammic Scholarship, Scholars

Yesterday, we had our first-ever livechat via Twitter and Facebook with our Sammic Scholars for BasqueStage. It’s midway through the application process for the next round (apply here), and we wanted to offer the help of our current stages, Marco Bahena and Cameron Rolka.  We tuned in for one hour and let anyone, anywhere ask us anything they wanted about the BasqueStage opportunity, which allows two lucky and talented winners to stage for six months, all-expenses paid, with Martín Berasategui. 

Here is a summary of the questions and answers from the live chat session. If you have a question, feel free to send it to us anytime via Twitter, Facebook, or email (at info {at} basquestage {dot} com). We will keep you updated on our next live chat date! Until then, here’s the questions we received yesterday.

What are your favorite ingredients to work with? Which ingredients are most difficult?


Marco: The mushrooms here are great. Some that ive never seen before. we just slice them thin and serve raw.

How is Chef Berasategui in the kitchen?


Cameron: He’s very friendly and cheery in the kitchen. He generally oversees rather than participates in the day to day operations.

Marco: He’s definently fun to see in the kitchen. Very cheery and always cracking jokes and gags with the stages.

do I have to speak Spanish perfectly?

Cameron: I knew only basic verb conjugation and sentence construction when I started. It makes it very difficult and you have to really try to get better at Spanish. If you make an effort it will be fine. The more you know the better off you’ll be.

Marco: Spanish is a huge help though not necessary. Theres people from all over the world in the kitchen and theres always someone who knows english.

Where can I see a video?

Cameron: You can see previous winners’ videos here:http://bit.ly/nG85og Or you can see previous applicants on the basquestage.com website under candidates. the previous Edition here: http://bit.ly/ruhaLZ

Do you guys ever listen to music in the kitchen to get your fired up? What artists do the job?


Marco: No music in the kitchen though I do jam on my walk to work every morning! Recently its been #shwayze & #Steveaoki.

What features about your contest do you think has made it successful to date? Or is it?

It’s an incredble way to “cross-pollinate” culinary cultures, helping to make a generation aware of basque cuisine. success measured in so many ways…we DEFINITELY want more applicants, though! incredible opportunity.

Cameron: from my perspective as winner, I think it’s an absolutely great & unique opportunity for a young cook in the industry

Is there possobilty of expanding to the other restaurants around the country? Its a great oppurtunity,  so why not bring more?

 There is a possibility! Looking into it for future editions…

I also apply myself for the basquestage, and I’m so interested how it is to work in a 3 star kitchen @BasqueStage Restaurante Martín Berasategui.

Cameron: It requires a good number of people in the kitchen to prep and plate the very complex tasting menu. a very different experience.

on average how many chefs are there in the kitchen? How does the average day go?

Marco: When we started there was about 70 stages for FOH&BOH now somewhere around 30-40. definetly a big kitchen!

Have you found, or found a new appreciation for any ingredients? What do you think will impact your style the most?

Marco: Theres a big seafood influence out here which im appreciating a lot more. Squid is really popular here + so good!

Stay tuned for more….and contact us if you have any questions about application for the October 16th deadline!

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Talking With Cameron Rolka

Posted by admin | Posted on 08-09-2011

Category : BasqueStage

Tags: 2011, BasqueStage, cameron rolka, gastronomy

Below, read an interview with Cameron Rolka, II Sammic Scholar for BasqueStage.

Summer in San Sebastián or  Summer in Portland ? Why?

Actually, before I came out here I was a bit sad to leave Portland during the summer. In Portland everyone waits through the rainy season for the absolutely gorgeous summer weather, outdoor activities, and events that take place. Although as great as summers are in Portland, I’d have to say in San Sebastián because, well…. It’s Spain! It’s a new place to experience summer, it has beaches, everyone is out and about, and the produce season is in full swing.

American girls or Basque girls?

Basque girls! When in Rom- I mean San Sebastián, right?

What did you expect coming here?

I expected everything to be excessively expensive…

How has that changed?

I realized that while certain things can be pricier than what I’m used to, most everything can be found for a reasonable price.

What did you know about Basque cuisine before you arrived, if anything?

Before coming out here I read Life and Food in the Basque Country by María José Sevilla, and part of Mark Kurlansky’s The Basque History of the World. I found Basque cuisine very interesting with its heavy focus on seafood, foraging, and sheeps’ cheese.

The most interesting spanish word you’ve learned?

That would be “mola,” because I’ve heard debates on whether it’s passe or un-hip to use. I still don’t know whether I should use it, and if I do will I’ll be considered uncool.

Is there anything you miss from the United States already?

I miss, tacos, sushi, and pizza. But I’m fine giving that up for the wide variety of foods in Basque cuisine and of course Pintxos! I’ll definitely miss Basque food when I go back to the States.

What was your first impression of Martin Berasategui?

He seems pretty laid back and likes to joke around with anyone next to him. When he is in a good mood he emits a surprising amount of noises of joy while walking through the kitchen fist pumping the air.

What’s it like to work in the kitchen there?

It’s very different experience from cooking in Portland kitchens. From my largest kitchen with a max of ten people to Martín Berasategui’s with over one hundred cooks. People are responsible for few tasks which enables the kitchen to put more intricacy into the plates.

What are the three most important traits of a cook in an American kitchen?

  1. Willingness to work hard and quickly for long hours.
  2. A desire to learn.
  3. Attention to detail.

In a Basque kitchen?

Pretty much the same…

What inspired you to cook?

Growing up in Ann Arbor, Michigan with my best friend who loved eating and cooking. Doing something I liked with someone else just as passionate about food helped drive me.

What’s the best thing you’ve eaten so far?

This question made just made me think for 15 minutes while reflecting on what I’ve eaten… It’s a hard question as I’ve eaten so many good foods. I would have to say jamón Ibérico, and all the foie gras I’ve eaten.

Do you know any words in Euskera?

Agur, people say it all the time when I leave a restaurant or store.

What’s the weirdest edible thing you’ve seen so far, be it in a grocery store or restaurant?

The combination of foie, mushroom, green tea, coffee, and yucca in one dish at Arzak.

Have you had any ‘I can’t believe I’m in Spain/Basque Country moments’ yet?

Pretty much every day I have off from work… Usually when I get off the Eusko Tren going into Donastia, or coming back. It’s then that I realize that I live here. I get the feeling when I go out on excursions too, but it’s actually strongest when I’m doing regular things.

Read more about Cameron’s adventures with BasqueStage on his blog and follow him on Twitter.

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Talking With Marco Bahena

Posted by admin | Posted on 06-09-2011

Category : BasqueStage

Tags: 2011, BasqueStage, Candidates, gastronomy, marco bahena

Below, read an interview with Marco Bahena, II Sammic Scholar for BasqueStage.

July in San Sebastián or  July in Chicago ?

July in Chicago.  Not only because I miss home, but July is about the one month that we get nice weather in Chicago.  On top of that it is prime time for different food shows, music festivals, amazing produce and all things fun and Chicago style!

American girls or Basque girls?

The girls back home will kill me, but I have to give it to the beautiful basque’s!  I may not be able to understand half of what they are saying to me, but the accents are damn sexy, and how lucky am I to be in a place where im supposed to greet every girl I meet with two kisses!

Tell us a little bit about what you think of País Vasco.

It has been a really exciting and inspiring change of pace coming from a big city like Chicago.  I went from being surrounded by skyscrapers to being minutes away from beaches and mountains, its absolutely unreal.  Im surrounded by amazing restaurants that have given me a totally different view towards food.  The basque are very proud of what they produce, and because of that have some of the best quality products ive ever tasted.

What did you expect coming here?

I suppose I had the expectations that most Americans have from the stories that come back.  The best tasting jamon at every corner, a culture devoted to food, tapas everywhere and hot sunny days that never end.

Has that changed?

Wasn’t too far off with most of it except that it always rains here!  I also probably should have guessed that there is some amazing surf out here.

What did you know about Basque cuisine before you arrived, if anything?

To be honest I really didn’t know too much.  With where its located I expected there to be an influence coming from Biscay bay with some great seafood.  As well as there being some sort of french/Spanish fusion influence with the food.

The most interesting  word you’ve learned, and why?

I have kind of fallen in love with any word that is spelled using “TX”.  Its pretty unique and fun to say words like txakoli.

Is there anything you miss from the united states already?

Friends, family, my puppy, tacos, local chicago beers, good pizza, my bike, and Chicago style hot dogs Just to name a few…

What was your first impression of Martin?

The first day I walked into the restaurant he greeted me with a very warm smiling welcome to the restaurant.  He seems to always be smiling and bringing a lot of energy into the kitchen.  With as busy as he is with different projects it is nice to see that he always makes time to talk and connect with his stages.

What’s it like to work in the kitchen there?

Its very different than what I have experienced in the u.s.  Very long days with an incredibly talented team of chefs.  They are strict but you will really learn a lot when you go there.  They are all dedicated to Spanish food and maintaining the integrity and tradition to the restaurant and their food.

What do you hope to learn in Kitchen Berasategui?

Everything…but ill settle for really mastering how to work with and cook the great seafood that this region is famous for.

What are the three most important traits of a cook in an American kitchen?

  1. Sanitation
  2. Organization
  3. Persistance

In a kitchen here?

  1. Knowing Spanish
    Embracing the Spanish style of food and cooking.
    Passion for food

What inspired you to cook?

Growing up, I was always inspired by my mother’s home-cooked meals.  No matter what she made, it was always the best thing I ever ate. Working with her and grandma is what I think really started my interest in food. I distinctly remember having cooking get-togethers with the family during Christmas which was an event I always and still look forward to.

What’s the best thing you’ve eaten so far?

The “Mantequilla de cabra” course at etxebarri, hands down.  It is so unbelievably simple and is a great example of letting your product speak for itself.  Simple presentation, but flavors that I will never forget.

Do you know any words in Euskera? How’d you learn it?

I’ve learned a little bit, but the first word I learned was “Agur!” from a teacher back home who is from the basque country.

What’s the weirdest edible thing you’ve seen so far, be it in a grocery store or restaurant?

Defidently going to have to be cocochas. It is such an unused cut of the fish in the US, though its so delicious!

Have you had any ‘I can’t believe I’m in Spain/Basque Country moments’ yet?

On our days off from the restaurant we go on different field trips throughout Spain with Marti and Andoni from the basque stage group.  Im pretty sure ive had those moments every single day weve been out with them.  Be it from spending a weekend in France, checking out the great surf at the different beaches, cooking for friends, and all the great Spanish food!

Read more about Marco’s adventures with BasqueStage on his blog and follow him on Twitter.

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Sammic Scholarship for BasqueStage in the News

Posted by BasqueStage | Posted on 26-08-2011

Category : BasqueStage

Tags: 2011, BasqueStage, Martín Berasategui, media, netherlands, news, Sammic, Sammic Scholarship

A leading magazine in the foodservice industry in Holland, Misset Horeca, recently featured the upcoming III Sammic Scholarship for BasqueStage.  The word is getting out about the program worldwide…have you told your food friends about BasqueStage? This year is the first in which young cooks across the world can apply for the scholarship, and potentially win a six-month paid stage with Martín Berasategui.

Here’s the article, along with its English translation:

The article’s English translation reads as follows:

Opportunity for internship with Spanish top chef Martín Berasategui

Cooks with a culinary training and skills with social media have a chance to win an internship of half a year in the kitchen of the Spanish top chef Martín Berasategui. These are two fully equipped internships of six months in the kitchen of the 3-star Basque restaurant.

For a few years Martín Berasategui has been working together with kitchen supplier Sammic. But until now only chefs from the USA had the chance to intern with Berasategui. This is changed now.

Dutch chefs who are culinary literate and educated, but above all have a passion for cooking, can contact  Arno Ravestein of Sammic. They make chance on a selection round. In November, the two winners will be announced. The internship will start early next year.

The two final ‘ stagieres ‘ work alongside in the kitchen of  Berasategui. In addition, they are expected to keep up on blogs and social media, telling about their experiences. Furthermore, they will have to test and demonstrate equipment from Sammic several times.

Help spread the word! Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

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Noticias de Gipuzkoa Interviews II Sammic Scholars

Posted by admin | Posted on 05-08-2011

Category : BasqueStage

Tags: 2011, cameron rolka, marco bahena, Sammic Scholarship

II Sammic Scholars for BasqueStage, Marco and Cameron, graced the local press in San Sebastián yesterday. You can read the article from The Glutton Club section in Noticias de Gipuzkoa below, in Spanish. The full English interviews are coming soon to the blog!

 

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Latino Leaders Magazine Features Marco Bahena

Posted by admin | Posted on 21-07-2011

Category : BasqueStage

Tags: 2011, BasqueStage, marco bahena, press, Sammic, Sammic Scholarship

Sammic Scholar for BasqueStage Marco Bahena was featured this week in Latino Leaders Magazine. The article is a great read if you’re curious about this young cook’s background…studies, competitions, failures and success. Here’s a little excerpt:

Success and acclaim don’t find you. Young Latino chef, Macro Bahena, knows that.  He went looking for them instead. A recent graduate of Kendall College’s School of the Culinary Arts in Chicago, Marco already has earned both.The passion and respect he has for cooking won’t allow him to hype on those for long. He’s ready for the next set of challenges, which in Marco’s mind, isn’t the next internship or accolade. It’s the next dish, the next patron. That’s how Marco plans to leave his mark on the culinary world — one dish at a time…

“I take that competitive energy I have, and I apply that to food,” he said. “So it’s about going to work, going to classes and putting the extra time into go one-on-one with some of the mentors I have here: extra studying, extra work, extra energy — to put all of that back into the food. I think that’s why I am in the spot I am in.”

Read the rest here…

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First Days in Berasategui

Posted by admin | Posted on 19-07-2011

Category : BasqueStage

Tags: 2011, BasqueStage, cameron rolka, kitchen, marco bahena, Martín Berasategui, Sammic, Sammic Scholarship, stage

Our new Sammic scholars for BasqueStage, Marco Bahena and Cameron Rolka, are in the middle of their first days in the kitchen of Restaurante Martín Berasategui.

So, how are they getting along, in the heat of one of the world’s best kitchens? Where business is conducted (and conducted rapidly) in Spanish, Basque, and French, instead of their native English?

Marco tells us: “Things are good!  First day went by really well for me.  I gotta say, knowing Spanish is a real life saver.  It has made learning and getting along in the kitchen much easier.”

Cameron says: “The day started off a little shaky…because it was my first day nobody really knew what to do with me and the kitchen has a particularly large amount of stages right now. I switched from Carne to Pastelería last minute because they could use me more. I’m still working through language barrier which is the toughest thing I have to deal with. I started keeping notes of any recipes, procedures, and Spanish words. Writing in my notebook helps a lot! Ready for another day to work harder and learn more.”

Good job and good luck, stages!

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Welcome, Cameron and Marco!

Posted by admin | Posted on 06-07-2011

Category : BasqueStage

Tags: 2011, BasqueStage, cameron rolka, free time, marco bahena, Sammic Scholarship

Yesterday we ventured to Bilbao to pick up the fresh-off-the-boat II Sammic Scholars for BasqueStage, Marco Bahena and Cameron Rolka.  The excitement of arriving to Basque Country helped the new stages power through their hungry exhaustion. And they were rewarded. Can you imagine if the first view you got of your new home was this?

Few architectural works in Spain are as breathtaking on first sight as the Guggenheim in Bilbao, and the sun was uncharacteristically shining off the river that cuts through the city. A picture perfect arrival for Basque Country’s new American cooks.  Being cooks, and having survived off of airplane food for 24 hours, their minds quickly turned to food. Time for Pintxos 101.

We stopped in a classic pintxo bar and talked about the process of pintxo ordering. It’s a foreign concept: walk in, take what you want, then whenever you feel like it, tell the bartender what you had and pay. After a few times practicing, Cameron and Marco handled it like pros. Then we settled down for a menu del dia, or prix fixe lunch menu. It was classic, or as they say here, bueno y barato: lentils, mackerel, and the typical Basque dairy dessert of cuajada. It was awesome to watch Marco and Cameron enjoy their first typical Basque meal…the cuajada was probably everyone’s favorite.

The stages won’t begin their sojourn in Martín Berasategui until next week, but with the festivals of San Fermín right around the corner, they’ll have plenty opportunity to get to know the local way of life before then. Stay tuned!

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Looking Back: The Kitchen of Berasategui

Posted by admin | Posted on 24-06-2011

Category : BasqueStage

Tags: 2011, athena, Sammic Scholarship, tracy

The countdown to the end of the first-ever Sammic Scholarship for BasqueStage is now at a week!  We know Tracy and Athena have put their blood, sweat and tears into their six-month stages here in the kitchen of Restaurant Martín Berasategui. So we were wondering, what are some of the moments, food, and memories that they will look back fondly on from the kitchen?  Here’s what they told us:

Tracy’s favorite memory:

The every day surprises. spontaneous combustion? check. 4 ft long corvina? check. Pierre Hermé? check.

Her favorite dish:

If I only had one favorite dish, I wouldn’t be working here. Top three in no specific order: Salmonete con escamas comestibles: crispy, edible scales? Porfa! Or Pichon. No one makes it this tender, not Mugaritz, not Café Boulud, not Robuchon. Or Ensalada Tibia. No salad has ever made a wowing impression on me until this one.

Athena’s favorite dish:

It’s hard to choose a favorite, because the food’s all really good, but I have a soft spot for the pigeon dish. I spent a lot of time working on it, all the components are fabulous, the plate is beautiful, and the pigeon itself is the best I’ve ever tried.

Her favorite memory:

There’s so many! I’m hard pressed to choose one, but… okay, two. “Go Team Pigeon!”, an invention by myself, my friend Luis from Mexico, and Gustavo from Argentina, when we were all in charge of plating the pigeon. We worked really well together, had perfect communication, and were all really dedicated to food. We would make little post-it note signs, hide them in our pockets, and then every once in a while, the person holding the “Go” card would catch “Team”’s gaze, then “Pigeon!” would join the fun from across the partida. It was light-hearted and fun. I miss those guys.

The second favorite memory is probably all the time spent making squid ink raviolis with Gonzalo, our shared sarcasm and dark sense of humor. So many hours folding, so many faux conflicts, good times. If you’re going to be spending 17 hours folding cephalapod skin over frozen ink cubes, you might  as well spend that time with someone you can converse with intelligently.

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