Meet the Trainers

Real Chefs. Real Skills. Real Training.

Today's trainers – tomorrow's colleagues

At HEAT, our trainers aren’t just instructors - they’re working chefs, mentors, and industry leaders who bring real-world experience into every session.

Chef Corina Grama

Executive Chef & HEAT Head Trainer

About me

I spent 13 years immersed in Barcelona’s dynamic food scene before bringing my love for bold, Mediterranean-inspired flavors to Romania.

Working in a Michelin-starred kitchen taught me that true excellence comes from both heart and hustle. At places like Rod and Kupaj, I’ve contributed to Cluj’s growing reputation as a culinary destination.

As a Trainer at HEAT

I’m here to ignite your culinary spark at HEAT. My classes mix hands-on skills with creative freedom, so you’re ready to shine in top kitchens from day one.

Specialization:

Mediterranean cuisine and Fine dining

Culinary Style & Philosophy
• Bold, colorful dishes rooted in Mediterranean soul
• Precision and passion in every plate
• Building cohesive teams that cook with intention

Key Qualities:

Creative • Disciplined • Responsible

Experience
15 years in the culinary industry
Notable restaurants: Villa Retiro & Can Bosch (Spain), Epoca Bella, Kupaj, Rod (Romania)

Chef Alexandra Lazăr

Head Chef & Trainer

About me

My mom’s kitchen was my first classroom. Trained at Adi Hădean’s Culinary School and seasoned at Restaurant Rod, I’ve honed a knack for bold flavors and tight teamwork.

As a Trainer at HEAT

At HEAT, I bring energy and clarity to training. I’ll teach you to cook with precision and flair, ready to take on any culinary challenge.

Specialization:

Fine dining and Fusion

Culinary Style & Philosophy
• Fusion flavors that push boundaries
• Organization drives kitchen success
• Inspire others to cook with passion

Key Qualities:

Organized • Leading • Dedicated

Experience
10 years in the culinary field
Notable restaurants: Kupaj, Rod

Chef Alexandru Strugari

Head Chef & Trainer

About me

Growing up, my grandfather’s simple dishes lit my passion for food. Working at Pastel, Rod, and Nativ with mentors like Alex Petricean and Bogdan Danila, I learned that cooking is about identity and soul. Now, I’m contributing to crafting Cluj’s next culinary chapter.

As a Trainer at HEAT

At HEAT, I’m your mentor, not just a teacher. I guide you to find your unique style while mastering the skills needed to thrive in professional kitchens.

Specialization:

Romanian • Mediterranean • Fine dining

Culinary Style & Philosophy
• Local, seasonal ingredients tell real stories
• Discipline creates flawless dishes
• Every plate should spark emotion

Key Qualities:

Self-taught • Perseverant • Dedicated

Experience
9 years in the culinary field
Notable restaurants: Pastel, Rod, Nativ, Samsara, Eggcetera

Chef Alin Vădean

Executive Chef & Trainer

About me

I started cooking at 17, inspired by a friend’s culinary fire. From Kaiamo in Cluj to top kitchens in the UK, I’ve chased growth with every dish, learning from chefs like Radu Ionescu and Cristian Frătianu.

As a Trainer at HEAT

At HEAT, I teach you to cook with precision and purpose. My goal? To help you master skills and confidence to own any kitchen, anywhere.

Specialization:

• European Cuisine • Fine dining

Culinary Style & Philosophy
• Sustainable ingredients for a better planet
• Teamwork fuels creativity
• Never stop learning, never stop cooking

Key Qualities:

Dedicated • Disciplined • Creative

Experience
10 years in the culinary field
Notable restaurants: Elania Resort, Kaiamo

Chef Eduard Șimon

Head Chef & Trainer

About me

I found the kitchen by chance through a student job - but stayed with purpose. From Rod to an eye-opening internship at Can Bosch in Spain, fine dining shaped my discipline, creativity, and respect for the craft.

As a Trainer at HEAT

At HEAT, I bring structure and support to your culinary journey. My goal is to share everything I’ve learned—technique, precision, and purpose—so you can build confidence and find your own voice in the kitchen.

Specialization:

International, Romanian, Italian, Fine Dining

Culinary Style & Philosophy
• A strong kitchen culture rooted in respect and rigor
• Flavor always comes first
• Continuous learning – every season, every technique, every idea

Key Qualities:

Creative • Attentive • Efficient

Experience
9 years in the kitchen
Notable restaurants: Rod (Romania), Can Bosch (Spain)

Chef Patrick Diethelm

Head of Culinary Excellence at Global Swiss Learning

About me

Chef Patrick is a Swiss Master Chef, global culinary educator, and decorated mentor whose career spans world-class kitchens, international competitions, and educational leadership.

As Head of Culinary Excellence at Global Swiss Learning, he plays a key role in shaping the educational standards at HEAT. Patrick supports the trainer team with mentoring, quality control, and curriculum development - ensuring every course reflects Swiss-certified excellence and prepares students for success in today’s culinary industry.

A lifelong champion of culinary talent, Patrick coached the Swiss Junior Chefs Team to Olympic gold and won three gold medals at the Culinary World Cup in Erfurt (2004). His contributions have been widely recognized: the Medal of Honour from the Swiss Chefs Association (2005, 2007), honorary membership in the American Academy of Chefs (2009), and recognition from WACS, where he served on the Educational Committee and became its youngest honorary member.

In 2021, he was awarded the Medal of Merit by the Swiss Chefs Association and Hotel & Gastro Union for his outstanding contributions to the industry.

With decades of expertise and a commitment to excellence, Chef Patrick ensures that HEAT’s training programs meet the highest standards – delivering both precision and inspiration to the next generation of culinary professionals.

Affiliate Trainers, teaching alongside us

Still exploring your options?

You’ve met the trainers. Now let’s talk about your journey. Contact us to explore your fit, ask questions, or get support in choosing the right course.