Exclusive Masterclasses With JRE Chefs Alessandro Tormolino & Borja Marrero

On the 25^th March HRC Academy hosted two amazing culinary masterclasses for our third-semester students, featuring renowned JRE chefs Alessandro Tormolino and Borja Marrero. It was a unique and exciting chance for our students to see world-class culinary creativity in action and get hands-on experience alongside some of Europe’s most inspiring chefs.

Chef Alessandro Tormolino & His Cacio e Pepe With a Twist

The first masterclass was led by Chef Alessandro Tormolino, the creative force behind SENSI restaurant on the Amalfi Coast. A passionate ambassador of authentic Italian cuisine, Chef Tormolino brings his deep knowledge of Campanian ingredients to life with flair and finesse. With years of experience in Michelin-starred kitchens, he has mastered the art of transforming simple ingredients into culinary masterpieces.

For his masterclass at HRC, Chef Tormolino prepared a special take on a traditional Roman dish: pasta cacio e pepe with mussels and black garlic crumble. The result was a bold fusion of sea and land – the rich, creamy sauce balanced by the briny sweetness of mussels and the umami depth of black garlic. Students were thrilled to explore how Chef Tormolino elevates familiar flavors using global techniques while remaining deeply rooted in Italian tradition.

Chef Borja Marrero & Sustainability as a Lifestyle

Next, our students had the pleasure of learning from Chef Borja Marrero, the visionary chef from Gran Canaria who is making waves in the world of sustainable gastronomy. After perfecting his craft in the United States and Mexico, Chef Marrero returned to Spain to launch his revolutionary KM0 project: a completely closed-circle culinary concept where nothing goes to waste.

Now the head chef at MuXgo in the Hotel Sostenible Catalina Plaza, Chef Marrero holds both a Red Michelin Star and a prestigious Green Michelin Star, the latter awarded for his commitment to environmental responsibility in the kitchen.

During his HRC masterclass, Chef Marrero showcased a couple of signature dishes, each highlighting sustainable practices, local ingredients, and zero-waste principles. One of the highlights was his iconic signature dessert made with a rare cactus species, a delicacy that embodies his philosophy of harnessing underutilized natural resources to create something beautiful and delicious.

Students were especially inspired by his story of transforming traditional farming and cooking methods to fit a modern, sustainable ethos without sacrificing flavor or creativity.

Students in Action: Behind the Scenes of Bachus’ Event

These masterclasses were more than just a learning experience; they were part of the wider organization of Bachus’ Restaurant of the Year gala dinner, which brought the JRE chefs to Bulgaria. In the lead-up to the event, our students were fully immersed in the prep process and played an essential role in helping the chefs bring their visions to life.

From mise en place to final plating, HRC students worked side by side with the JRE chefs and their teams, gaining invaluable real-world experience and witnessing the pressure and precision of a high-profile culinary celebration. The experience offered an invaluable look at what it takes to perform at the top of the culinary industry, combining technical skills, creativity, and collaboration under pressure.

The HRC Advantage: Learning from the Best

At HRC Academy, we believe in providing real-world experiences that go beyond the classroom. Collaborating with international chefs like Alessandro Tormolino and Borja Marrero gives our students the chance to learn modern culinary techniques, understand different cultural approaches to food, and engage directly with the future of the hospitality industry. These masterclasses and event collaborations are just one part of how HRC continues to lead culinary education in Europe.

Ready to Learn from World-Class Chefs?

Want to be part of these incredible experiences? Apply now for our Culinary Arts Program and start your journey toward a world-class culinary career. At HRC Academy, you’ll train with international experts, work in top kitchens, and gain the hands-on experience you need to stand out.