Employer Case Studies
Aquavit
From Sweden to New York Times
From Spring 2006
It has received three star reviews in the New York Times among other awards; their Swedish culinary sensation has been a favorite of New York City patrons; and since its opening in 1987, the well-renowned restaurant Aquavit, has had nearly 70 AIPT Train USA™ participants experience its excellence in Scandinavian traditions in a variety of positions.
Aquavit, located on 55th Street, between Park and Madison Avenues, has been a long standing AIPT host employer since 1990. The restaurant, named after a popular neutral spirit, provides a delicatessen of Swedish menu items such as Foie Gras Ganache, Gravlax, and Lobster Roll.
Aquavit currently has nine participants from Sweden, Japan, and Norway, all exploring a mixture of the numerous culinary training areas the establishment has to offer.
“Our AIPT participants train with the kitchen staff, work in front of the restaurant, and also in administrative positions such as marketing, publishing, events, publishing, and human resources,” explained Christina Carlsson, administrative assistant at Aquavit. “Many of our participants are Scandinavians, and since we find candidates that are already familiar with the Scandinavian culture and cuisine, they require less training in that area and can also teach their American colleagues.”
Carlsson added that the Asian, South American, and Israeli participants also bring an added dimension to the restaurant with their culture and skills, which “makes a great mix of different cuisine and traditions”.
Carlsson said that Aquavit has been very pleased with their participants in general. All the participants have contributed different perspectives and skills that have benefited the staff tremendously.
“The beauty of the training program is that it is an international program and that it goes both ways,” she said. “If you use it effectively, you will create a great learning environment.”
