Live online series kicks off with combi ovens session
If you want to know more about combi ovens then a live demonstration is the ideal answer. These days that’s out of the question, so Rational UK has relaunched its popular Rational Live sessions online. The series of webinars is aimed at people who are thinking of getting a Rational or who simply want to find out more about them.
The first webinar, on 30 April, saw around 25 attendees who generated a lively Q&A session during and after the presentations. They were treated to (or tantalised with) a show covering lots of different combi cooking techniques, as expert Rational chef Gaurav Bajaj prepared a variety of mouth-watering dishes, ranging from beef baguette sandwich to poached salmon, ravioli and grilled steak –apologising for the fact that he couldn’t offer anyone a taste! Meanwhile fellow Rational chef Theo Bostock fielded questions from the viewers.
The webinar included lots of tips – for example, when using the finishing program to regenerate multi portions, a 65mm deep dish gives the best results, since it’s the optimum size in terms of air circulation and speed of heating.
As well as looking at how the Rational combi operates, the webinar included examples of using Rational accessories. One section spotlighted the grill plate, which left the chef’s steaks and vegetables with the classic grilled branding marks (as well as cooking a delicious meal).
A key theme of the webinar focused on how the combi oven’s artificial intelligence is like having extra commis chefs helping in the kitchen. As well as being able to roast, grill, steam, bake and fry – at the touch of a button – the Rational combi also monitors the food and adjusts cooking times, for example if the oven door is opened. It also cleans itself, hygienically, at the end of the shift.
The post-demonstration Q&A session was hosted by Theo Bostock. Questions ranged from “Can Rational arrange training for a specific restaurant’s menu?” (answer, “Yes”), to “Can you transfer recipe programs from one combi to another?” (again, “Yes”, either by using a USB stick or via Wi-Fi or the internet, with Rational’s ConnectedCooking technology).
Many participants took the time to show appreciation to Theo and the Rational team behind the webinar, with one commenting, “Many thanks for a wonderful session.”
“We’re delighted with the way the webinar went and by the really positive feedback we received from participants,” says Adam Knights, marketing director of Rational UK. “There’s clearly an appetite for this type of online activity, which gives us extra impetus to push ahead with the programme and expand it in the weeks ahead. For example, we plan to start running training webinars for chefs who already have a Rational and want to develop their knowledge and techniques.”
The webinars are open to foodservice professionals but places need to be booked in advance. To find out more, and for information and brochures, visit www.rational-online.com