Two students from Institut Lyfe at the Elysée Palace

To mark the final of the French Bocuse d’Or and the opening of the Rugby World Cup in France, the President of the Republic invited various leading names from the worlds of sport and gastronomy to attend a lunch at the Élysée Palace.

Institut Lyfe was proudly represented by two of our students: Alizée Skalski, a 3rd year student on the Bachelor’s in International Pastry Management, and Ivan Uzel, a 4th year student specialising in Restaurant Business Management and Entrepreneurship. Alizée and Ivan gave us their accounts of this unique appointment.

When I received the invitation, I wasn’t expecting it at all: it was a wonderful surprise, but above all an opportunity that probably won’t come around again anytime soon.

There were several renowned chefs at my table, such as Glenn Viel and Christophe Michalak, who I chatted with a lot. Being in the pastry industry, it was an honour for me to be able to discuss his career path with him and how his pâtisserie shops in Paris work.

Personally, I overcame my shyness and went out of my comfort zone. Professionally speaking, it made me want to push myself even further in my work and give the best I can.

Alizée Skalski

I was honoured to be selected to represent Institut Lyfe at this prestigious event. It was a very rewarding experience, which allowed me to meet numerous personalities from the world of gastronomy and sports.

I was able to discover part of the Élysée Palace, its “art de la table” and its service in the French style, and I had the opportunity to speak with lots of chefs, who shared their experiences and advice.

I am proud to have been able to represent the school in which I’ve spent four wonderful years of learning, and which has given me a taste for the world of hospitality. It is an experience that I will never forget, and that will serve me for the rest of my future professional career.

Ivan Uzel

We are proud that our students were invited to such a prestigious event, which will stay with them forever.