The award for Chef of the Year at a Hotel went to Ritz-Carlton Doha’s executive chef Richard Green in last night’s Caterer Middle East Awards 2012.

Described as a ‘solution finder’ by the judges, Green “acts instead of focusing on the challenges”.

The judges added: “As well as creating exquisite meals, he has put time and energy into ensuring all the staff around him are trained to the highest standards. And when he’s not creating exquisite meals or planning chef’s specials, you’ll often find him sat writing cards to his guests!”

Story continues below
Advertisement

Also competing in this category were Gordon Ramsay Doha chef de cuisine Gilles Bosquet; JW Marriott Dubai steakhouse chef Iqbal Mohammad; Hilton Luxur Resort and Spa executive chef Shankar Paramasivam and Shangri-La Abu Dhabi chef de cuisine Alexabdre Pernetta.

Iqbal Mohammad was highly commended in this category. Judges said guests call up from all over the world to setup their magical dining experiences.

Sadly Green could not be at the event to collect his award as he was in Tokyo.

Hanny Gunawan, director of public relations who collected the award on his behalf said: "He wouldn’t have missed this for the world but he is in Tokyo representing Doha right now. He is a really special guy, he never stops thinking out of the box, he always thinks about developing his staff. Right now he's working 18 hours, feeding 5000 people. Richard we love you!  "

The Caterer Middle East Awards 2012 were held on September 26 at Jumeirah Emirates Towers, Dubai.