Chef Steven (Empty Plates, Bangkok) shares his passion for teaching underprivileged youth in Thailand

Chef Steven shares his experience of a day spent training a small group of young, underprivileged teenagers in the art of food and hospitality

Earlier this week I was fortunate to have visited Pimali Association – Pimali Foundation in Nongkhai. Pimali is not just a state of the art training center but also a Resort with beautiful bungalows, a garden, a restaurant & bar, all runned by their student trainees assisted by their teachers. They provide each year 30 to 35 underpriviliged teenagers from the region of Issan an amazing opportunity to get trained in the art of hospitality, food & beverages!

After their training is completed the students will be sent to different internships and work employments at various hotels and restaurants all over Thailand, this allows a smooth transition into their professional careers where they can excel even more.

I was asked to hold a workshop for the students and it was great fun working with these young, talented, soon to be chefs, front of houses & hotel managing directors. We had a great time with a lot of questions asked, laughs & delicious bites. I was amazed by how well they are trained by the foundation. A big compliment to the teachers at Pimali, they do an outstanding job with great care for each individual trainee & the students realize what an unique opportunity they have at hand.

Pimali is a secret retreat with stunning views, great food & a great cause to support. Behind this amazing story is Stéphanie Des Arts-Loup & Alex Des Arts-Loup, from Switzerland who came to Nongkhai around 5 years ago to start this lifetime project. What they have built here is highly impressive and I can’t wait to see how the Foundation grows even more.

Please follow their page on facebook or visit their website: http://www.pimali.org

We should do more in helping the youth of Thailand to have better opportunities in life to support their families & themselves. Pimali is a first class foundation that will make the most out of any donations received to give Wings to a professional future for these fine young women & men.
I left with amazing memories & lots of new friends..
Issan is a special place! See you all soon again,

Steven.