A SCHOOLBOY from Wellington has completed a three-day work experience placement - in front of 2,000 people 1,500 miles away in Lithuania.

Riel Farinha, a student chef and year nine pupil in Court Fields School, was a guest at an event held by Reaton Food, the largest importer of culinary ingredients, products, and premium produce across the Baltic states.

He attended two days of masterclasses celebrating global cuisine, innovation, and craftsmanship, and ‘prepped, chopped, and sliced’ throughout the event.

The opportunity came when Reaton Food invited leading foodservice marketing platform and networking group The Chefs’ Forum, which was founded by Riel’s mother Catherine Farinha.

Riel starred alongside an international line-up of chefs and producers each showcasing their unique culinary philosophy and technical skills, and performed on stage in front of an audience of thousands in the LITEXPO exhibition venue, in the capital Vilnius.

He was mentored by celebrity chef Surjan Singh, popularly known as Chef Jolly (UK), whose sessions on Asian fusion and international cuisines captivated audiences across both days.

Chef Jolly delivered an elevated take on street food staples, including wheat paratha, dosa with coconut chutney, and millet and lentil breads, reimagined through a fine-dining perspective.

Ms Farina emphasised the educational and cultural exchange at the heart of the event.

She said: “What stood out was the way Chef Jolly translated deeply rooted street food traditions into something globally relevant, while still honouring their origins.

“The integration of premium ingredients and produce elevated the conversation around the fusion of Baltic cuisine with traditional and regional Indian flavours.

“I am also grateful to Chef Jolly for mentoring my youngest son Riel over the three days we were in Lithuania, during his first experience of working at a large food show.

“Riel loved helping Chef Jolly out with prep on day one and assisting with his demos on stage.”