The Ivy Dubai’s head chef Ben Tobitt took to the Caterer Middle East Awards stage last night to collect the prestigious award of Head Chef of the Year – Independent Outlet.
The highly anticipated event, held at Dubai’s Ritz Carlton DIFC on June 11, saw Tobitt receiving the recognition over a number of entries from across the Middle East.
Judges of this year’s awards noted that he had shown impressive attributes to his position having taken over the kitchen at The Ivy Dubai within a year of being sous chef. Over the past couple of years Tobitt had been responsible for saving the business considerable expenditure by cancelling an external caterer contract and providing in-house meals to colleagues.
Dubai Municipality has also commended the Brit for his work within the restaurant.
Commenting on receiving the award, Tobitt noted: “It’s an old saying that there is no I in team and I am a massive believer. I am standing with this now because of my guys, not because I am out of this world, but because I have an amazing team behind me, back and front of house. If you don’t all work together it doesn’t happen.
"I dedicate this to my team because without them I am nothing. I give the orders and run the kitchen, but if they can’t do what I am asking of them, it doesn’t work.”
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This year’s Head Chef of the Year – Independent Outlet saw tight competition and many discussions between the judges. Reform’s Ryan Waddell was named as the category’s runner up and noted by the judges as an individual whom would go long and far in the regional industry.
Other shortlisted nominees included Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse executive chef Christopher Thompson, Gaucho Dubai head chef Jamie Robertson and The Rivington Grill head chef Scott Stokes.
The Head Chef of the Year - Independent Outlet Award was sponsored by MKN and presented by regional director of sales MENA Elias Rached.
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