The ICA Difference
- Awards
- Beyond
ICA graduate, Nicole Loubser, takes the lead at Gåte.
Nicole Loubser graduated from the Institute of Culinary Arts in 2016 on the ICA’s flagship 3-year diploma course. Armed with an international qualification in food preparation and advanced culinary arts as well as advanced pâtisserie, the ICA’s unique offering of a specialist culinary field in the third year, enables students to acquire a second career path within the culinary arena – in Nicole’s case, it was Product Development.
After successfully completing her ICA industry placements at La Colombe and The Test Kitchen, Nicole was placed at a product development factory for Woolworths where she honed her NPD skills acquired in her third year of study. Graduating from the ICA with two distinct culinary qualifications vastly broadened her employment horizons.
Her full chefs qualification drove her to seek culinary experiences overseas (including under the guidance of Michelin-starred chef Jan-Hendrik van der Westhuizen at JAN) and finally lead her back to SA. Molecular gastronomy forms an integral part of the ICA advanced culinary arts curriculum and this training undoubtedly enabled her to pursue the position as head chef at Gåte, where she has the privilege of immersing herself in the exciting, fast-paced world of a world-class restaurant kitchen, allowing her to follow her passion. Her leadership-style is beautifully in line with the ICA’s philosophy to uphold the culinary industry as a respected trade that should be embarked upon with professionalism and a constant strive for perfection. Even in her young career, she is already acting as a mentor to those under her guidance, continuing the ICA’s credo instilled in her as a student while still on campus.
Read more about Nicole’s culinary journey here.
