Dusit's Godoy does it as Kitchen Hero of the year

One of the favourite Caterer Middle East Awards went to Arnel Dela Cruz Godoy, this year’s Kitchen Hero of the Year, sponsored by A. Ronai.

As chief steward and hygiene manager at Dusit Thani Dubai, Godoy continually strives to ensure the hotel’s kitchen receives top markets against municipality requirements, according to the judges.

“His stringent rules and methodical approach to keeping kitchen areas clean and hygienic have resulted in the hotel being publicly recognised by the Emirates Environmental Group three times in the last year,” they said.

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Godoy beat off competition from Dubai World Trade Centre hygiene and food safety manager Ravi Arul; Le Meridien Al Aqah Fujairah sous chef kitchen Ismail Kureshi and Atlantis The Palm Dubai chef de partie Abhishek Naidu and Rajiv Takania, chef de tournant, Westin Dubai.

Rajiv Tikania, who has been promoted three times since joining Westin in 2009, was highly commended.

Gavin Dodd, managing director, A. Ronai presented the award to Godoy.

Godoy, who's ambition is to one day become an F&B manager said upon receiving the award: "It’s very surprising – but I believe and that’s the important thing. It’s really a team effort, it’s not only me – because of my team, they’re the ones who support me and give me everything".

Crowned 'kitchen hero', we asked what superhero power Godoy would chose - if he could - to help him in the kitchen, he replied: "How you communicate with your colleagues, this is the very important thing. It’s not one way you have to understand the people.It’s the natural power you need – it’s how you deal with the human!"

The fourth Caterer Middle East Awards 2012 were held on September 26 in a glamorous ceremony at Jumeirah Emirates Towers, Dubai.