HRC Student Kristiana Stefanova is a Part of a Bulgarian-Themed Dinner at Azafrán

At HRC Culinary Academy, we pride ourselves on providing our students with exceptional opportunities to develop their culinary skills and gain invaluable experience. Nothing prepares them for a career in the culinary industry quite like the internships they undertake abroad. These experiences not only allow them to learn from top chefs in renowned restaurants but also encourage them to innovate and create their unique culinary masterpieces.

Very soon one of our talented students, Kristiana Stefanova, will be completing her internship at Azafrán, a prestigious restaurant that is part of the Jeunes Restaurateurs d’Europe (JRE) network.

With the help of the exceptional team at Azafrán, led by the acclaimed head-chef and owner Teresa Gutiérrez, Kristiana had the unique opportunity to immerse herself in the restaurant’s vibrant culinary culture. This experience allowed her to hone her skills in a fast-paced, high-standard environment, learning firsthand from seasoned professionals who are at the top of their field.

Kristiana’s internship culminated in an incredible achievement that truly showcases the essence of what we aim to cultivate at HRC Bulgaria. With the support of chef Teresa and the Azafrán team, Kristiana was given the remarkable opportunity to take part in a themed dinner inspired by Bulgarian cuisine.

The themed dinner was a culinary journey through the flavors and traditions of Bulgaria, reimagined through Kristiana’s innovative lens. The menu she created was both original and eclectic, managing to pay homage to Bulgarian customs while introducing contemporary twists. Among the standout dishes were:

– Classic Shopska Salad with homemade cheese

– Homemade Bread and Cottage Cheese

– Tarator with Walnuts and Micro Fennel

– Variation of Banitsa with warm egg cream and cold espuma of cheese

– Hake Fish with Bulgarian Rose

– Meatballs with Bean Puree, Homemade Lutenitsa, and French Fries

– Home-Squeezed Sheep’s Milk Yogurt with Rose Jam and Biscuit Crumble

– Sweet Baklava-Style Pie with Walnuts and Cinnamon

– Yogurt Mousse with Rose Granita

We at HRC Culinary Academy are immensely proud of Kristiana and her accomplishments. Her journey at Azafrán is a testament to the power of dedication, creativity, and the importance of cultural exchange in the culinary world. We can’t wait to see what she will achieve next in her promising culinary career.