WUHAN, China - As people around the world have struggled to deal with the challenges brought by the COVID-19 outbreak, Hilton realizes that providing emotional support during such difficult times is more important than ever. Despite the challenges posed by limited supplies and staffing, Hilton Wuhan Optics Valley still managed to create surprises and unforgettable memories for medical workers who were fighting the epidemic.
Starting from Chinese New Year’s Eve 2020, Hilton Wuhan Optics Valley had been receiving medical teams from across China who were sent to support the relief efforts in Wuhan. In addition to offering comfortable living spaces, personal services and nutritional support to these healthcare heroes, the hotel also wanted to deliver warm greetings and special surprises for each medical professional that had to spend his or her birthday far away from home.
Chen Lang, Junior Sous Chef of Pastry at Hilton Wuhan Optics Valley, was the only pastry chef at the time of the outbreak due to restrictions on transportation. Regardless of the challenge, Chef Chen prepared a total of 17 cakes during the time that the hotel hosted medical staff. Ingredients were in extremely short supply during the lockdown in Wuhan, and in particular, dessert ingredients such as sweet cream, fruit and chocolate powder. Chef Chen worked hard to overcome these difficulties and pursue novelty in his creations. For example, he replaced scarce sweet cream with whipping cream, and adjusted the recipe to compensate for lack of sweetness. He used canned fruits when fresh fruits were out of supply at the height of the epidemic, and he matched colors where possible to bring the cakes to life.
On Women’s Day (March 8), Chef Chen made one big chocolate cake and a 20-pound three-tiered cake all by himself for the women doctors staying in the hotel. As dedicated chocolate was unavailable, he melted common solid chocolate through a complicated process to use as a replacement. Chef Chen carefully prepared decorative rings, high-heeled shoes and rose-shaped cake toppers, creating a delightful surprise for the brave women medical professionals.
Chef Chen’s heartwarming move won praise from guests of the medical teams several times over. “This is not just a cake, but a symbol of sincere friendship that really conveys the warmth of the people of Hubei,” said one medical worker who was far away from home.
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