As part of the global Chef’s Unlimited initiative implemented across Newrest subsidiaries, Newrest Greece hosted this year’s local seminar in Athens, bringing together culinary professionals from its operations in Athens, Thessaloniki, and Larnaca under a central theme: Sustainability in Modern Gastronomy.
Organized by Executive Chef Pavlos Simotopoulos, the seminar emphasized responsible sourcing, collaboration with local producers, and environmentally conscious practices in shaping the future of large-scale catering operations.
Elevating Culinary Standards Through Local Sourcing
At the heart of the seminar was the strategic use of local raw materials, highlighting seasonality, traceability, and the reduction of environmental footprint. Participants demonstrated their culinary expertise by transforming high-quality Greek ingredients into contemporary gastronomic proposals, proving that sustainability enhances both creativity and operational excellence. The event reinforced that sustainability is not merely a trend, but a fundamental pillar of quality-driven food service.
Spotlight on Greek Producers: Greka Icons
A dedicated presentation by Greka Icons introduced a curated selection of premium Greek products distinguished by their authenticity, quality standards, and commitment to responsible production practices. The presentation underscored the importance of sourcing ingredients with clear origin and strong local identity, while highlighting the value of meaningful partnerships between culinary teams and local producers. In doing so, it further strengthened the connection between primary production and professional kitchens, reinforcing sustainability as a shared responsibility across the supply chain.
Experiential Learning Beyond the Kitchen
To complement the seminar’s thematic focus, participants engaged in educational visits designed to connect theory with practice:
• A visit to a local Athens-based restaurant known for its commitment to locally sourced, first-quality ingredients, offering inspiration on integrating farm-to-table philosophy into professional environments.
• An on-site visit to Perivoli sti Vari, where attendees observed sustainable farming practices firsthand and gained insight into the agricultural processes that support quality gastronomy.
A Commitment to Responsible Innovation
As part of the broader Chef’s Unlimited framework implemented across Newrest subsidiaries worldwide, this year’s seminar hosted by Newrest Greece reflected the company’s commitment to sustainability and responsible culinary development. By translating strategic direction into practical application, participants reaffirmed their dedication to advancing large-scale catering through innovation, collaboration, and conscious gastronomy.
