WUHAN, China, May 21, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- 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 during 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 symbol of sincere friendship that really conveys the warmth of the people of Hubei," said one medical worker who was far away from home.
About Hilton
Hilton (NYSE: HLT) is a leading global hospitality company with a portfolio of 18 world-class brands comprising more than 6,100 properties with more than 977,000 rooms, in 118 countries and territories. Dedicated to fulfilling its mission to be the world's most hospitable company, Hilton welcomed more than 3 billion guests in its 100-year history, earned a top spot on the 2019 World's Best Workplaces list, and was named the 2019 Global Industry Leader on the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices. Through the award-winning guest loyalty program Hilton Honors, more than 106 million members who book directly with Hilton can earn Points for hotel stays and experiences money can't buy, plus enjoy instant benefits, including digital check-in with room selection, Digital Key, and Connected Room. Visit newsroom.hilton.com for more information, and connect with Hilton on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.
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