Chef Don Thushan Nilaksha, of Burj Al Arab Dubai bagged the top honors at the Middle East Junior Chef of the Year 2002 competition with an overall tally of two gold medals and a bronze medal.
The culinary contest was organized by the Emirates Culinary Guild under the auspices of the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) as part of the Food Surprises week that concluded with great fanfare
Wednesday, June 26th.
"Such competitions are intended to put on public display, the talents of chefs in the region while at the same time inspiring them to create innovative recipes and styles of presentation by pitting them against each other," said DTCM Deputy Manager Events, Marwan Juma bin
Beyat.
"The objective of this competition was to improve the overall quality of culinary skills and provide recognition for excellence in culinary arts as well as incentives for the participants," remarked Mr. bin
Beyat.
Others who won titles included chef Rabah Samra of Intercontinental Dubai - 'Best Effort by an Arab National 2002', chef Darshana Kathriarachichi of Dubai Marine Beach Resort Dubai, 'Best Pastry Chef
2002' and chef Sonkran Nonsri of Jumeirah Hospitality Dubai - 'Best Kitchen Artist 2002'.
A total of 473 entries were received and 26 Gold, 89 Silver and
131 Bronze medals were awarded.
The winners also received engraved plaques, trophies as well as gifts from sponsors Philips.
The categories included best chocolate carving, best ice carving, best fruit & vegetable carving, best wedding cake and best in-flight meal etc.
The judging of the competitions was performed by strict international standards so international judges were flown in.
The static displays were open for public viewing as large crowds took in the aroma of the food and waited patiently for their turn to sample the food. |