The talented culinary masters at Le Meridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre, had a triumphant week at the Young Chefs Hotel Challenge, held in Electrolux Headquarters, Pordenone, Italy earlier last week, walking away with no less than the highest honour.
Jr Sous Chef Kamru Zzamon, First Commis Mary Rose Perez and Jr Sous Commis Chaminda Roshan joined forces from the different kitchens of the food and beverage driven hotel that boasts 18 diverse restaurants and bars Under the adept leadership of Executive Chef Ramon Salto Alvarez, the three skilled culinary artists trained for several months before appearing for the UAE shortlisting that was held at the International Chamber of Commerce Centre, Dubai. With twenty participating hotels, just four hotel teams were shortlisted for round two, which was held at the World Trade Centre Dubai a few days later. Presented with the Black Box Challenge, Kamru, Perez and Roshan were put on a trial by fire, with Kamru managing the starters, Perez taking on the ice cream desert, while Roshan took care of the main course. Together, they managed to cook up storm and charmed the judges, making it through to the final round that was held in Italy on March 21st, 2018.
After countless mock trials and examinations under the knowledgeable tutelage of Chef Ramon, the team put their best culinary tools forward in front of the formidable panel of internationally acclaimed judges – Alessandro Breda Gellius, Mauro Lorenzon Oste de la Mascareta and Marco Colognese. Team Le Meridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre set the kitchen on fire, immaculately representing not just their hotel but also the Nation. The adroit chefs of Le Meridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre deservedly and proudly walked away with top honours, coming first in the competition of number of globally renowned chef teams.
“I am beyond thrilled to see my team bag the winning trophy. We have been through the drill umpteen numbers of times, often working long hours at mock tests after an even longer day. Along with their inherent talent, the three of them have put in a lot of hard work and they have done themselves and all of us so proud. A big celebration awaits them on their return to Dubai,” says Chef Ramon Salto Alvarez, Executive Chef at Le Meridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre.
