The Aiala Hospitality School, founded in 1996 by chef Karlos Arguiñano and his wife, Luisi Ameztoy, has celebrated its 30th anniversary in Zarautz. The event brought together the Arguiñano family, institutional representatives, teachers, and alumni to commemorate the center's long history.
“"I had some money and decided to set up the school."
The school's director, Raúl González, pointed out that the center does not have enough skilled labor to meet the demand in Zarautz and its surroundings. Over 3,000 students have passed through Aiala over the years, many of whom have achieved success in the culinary world.
The school offers various training programs, from intermediate vocational cycles to a Master's in Gastronomy, summer courses, and professional certificates linked to Lanbide. The student profile has also evolved; while initially many students came from other parts of Spain and America, today the majority are from Gipuzkoa, fulfilling one of the project's initial goals. Nevertheless, Aiala maintains its international appeal, especially in the Master's in Gastronomy, with students from countries like Ukraine and Korea this year.
“"A month ago, Martín Berasategui told me that the head chef he had appointed in Dubai was an Aiala alumnus. Those are great moments for me."
The founder, at 77 years old and after nearly four decades on television, has expressed his intention to slow down and make way for younger generations. He also emphasized the importance of a positive atmosphere in the kitchen, suggesting that a good working environment contributes to better outcomes.
