Caterer Awards countdown: INDIVIDUAL AWARDS #3
After a long process of whittling down the hundreds of nominations submitted by outlets around the region, the shortlists for the first ever Caterer Middle East Awards are to be revealed.
Between three and six outstanding nominees have been shortlisted in each category — with the exception of the highly anticipated Chef of the Year title, for which 10 candidates are in the running. These shortlists will be unveiled online at HME.com over the course of the next two weeks.
The winners will then be announced right here online in the third week of November, following which the trophy presentation ceremony and photo shoot with the winners will feature in the December issue of Caterer Middle East.
To find out when the remaining shortlists will be revealed, click here.
Today in the Caterer Middle East Awards 2009 countdown, sponsored by The Hotel Show, we reveal the shortlisted nominees for Commis Chef of the Year, Sous Chef of the Year and Pastry Chef of the Year.
Read on to find out who made the cut…
COMMIS CHEF OF THE YEAR
This role requires someone reliable, quick-learning and dedicated to the profession.
The four nominees who made the shortlist have demonstrated these skills and more, displaying clear progression over the past year, enthusiasm for training and developing new skills and ongoing commitment to the outlet and the team.
These shining examples of Commis Chefs are:
• Akila Fernando, Sumibiya, Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Deira Creek
This nomination lauded Akila’s drive, friendliness and total commitment to working as part of the team to do the best job possible, whatever the occasion.
His impressive progress since he joined the team has been marked by several promotions and training opportunities, all of which Akila has undertaken with his trademark enthusiasm.
• Prabakaran Manickam, The Meat Company, Souk Al Bahar
Prabakaran is another young chef who has quickly risen up the ranks, displaying “maturity and discipline well beyond his years”.
The nomination noted that although he has undertaken a whole range of duties — from stock-taking and dealing with suppliers to assisting senior chefs with trialling new dishes — Prabakaran is still always there to assist on training days, even if it is meant to be his day off.
• Gihan Waruna, Al Manzil Hotel
Gihan has displayed a steadfast work-ethic, confidently taking on a range of duties such looking after lunch buffet hot items for the Conservatory outlet as well as all hot room service menu items and the à la carte menu in two outlets.
The nomination also praised Gihan’s cheery, confident personality, along with his natural presence and professionalism.
• Ziad Al Obeid, Radisson Blu Hotel, Kuwait
Ziad’s motivation and his role as an excellent team player were praised in this nomination, along with his commitment to his work.
Another impressive mention was of his creative ability, and the fact that he constantly brings new ideas into the kitchen.
Read on to find out who made the Sous Chef of the Year shortlist…
SOUS CHEF OF THE YEAR
Sponsored by La Marquise International
Being a Sous Chef is a delicate role: they are responsible not only for supporting the head chef and looking out for the business, but also motivating the rest of the team.
Our shortlisted candidates in this category have proved themselves more than capable of dealing with any issues that may arise, along with the ability to be creative in their own right, designing menus that draw in the customers.
The outstanding nominees shortlisted for the Sous Chef of the Year title are:
• Theodore Barnes, Bamboo Lagoon, JW Marriott Hotel Dubai
Theodore was praised for his excellent leadership skills, which the nomination said had resulted in “a positive working environment and a loyal, hard working and creative team”.
His dedication to his guests and giving them a top experience also marked Theodore out as an outstanding candidate.
• Shibu John, Nineteen, The Montgomerie Dubai
The nomination started by citing two of Shibu’s key qualities: versatility and creativity.
These attributes, along with his efforts to diversify the menu, have resulted in a loyal customer base — while his dedication to the team and their progression has won him a great deal of respect.
• Nathania Wasserman, Al Manzil & Qamardeen Hotels
Having been with the property since it opened, Nathania has demonstrated a total dedication to the hotel and the team; plus, in recent times, his new executive chef.
He was also praised for his efforts in introducing new promotions to the F&B operations — including a range of cyclic menus in the property’s Conservatory restaurant, which saw an increase in revenues of 27%.
• Daniele Chiari, Piacere Del Gusto, Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Resort & Spa
This nomination wholeheartedly praised Daniele’s “passion for the culinary arts, unfaltering positive attitude and heartfelt dedication to his daily work” — attributes which, along with his dedication to training junior chefs, have won him great loyalty from his staff.
His commitment to front-of-house standards, attending to guests personally and checking on how their meal is, has also him a popular figure among guests.
Read on to find out who made the Pastry Chef of the Year shortlist…
PASTRY CHEF OF THE YEAR
Sponsored by EMF Emirates
A pastry chef’s responsibilities cover a myriad of different creations, from speciality chocolates or pastries, to bakery duties to edible art-work.
But in addition to this significant talent, the shortlisted candidates in this category have also demonstrated a passion for staying on top of consumer trends, taking the initiative to suggest new ideas or try new things while remaining cost-conscious regarding ingredients.
The crème de la crème of the nominees for the Pastry Chef title — one of the most popular sections — are:
• Antony Fernandes, Ritz-Carlton Bahrain Hotel & Spa
Praised by colleagues for his passion for the role and dedication to passing his skills on to junior chefs, Antony stood out as both a committed chef and a creative artiste of the pastry world.
• Haitham Ahmad, Mövenpick Resort Tala Bay Aqaba
This nomination lauded Haitham’s determination to spread the enjoyment of desserts, noting that he had “gathered the hearts, minds and souls of a lot of clientele”.
His input at the property’s Kids Club also marked him out, where he conducted daily “mini pastry chef” lessons teaching children to make cookies, muffins, cakes and tarts.
• Patrice Cabannes, The Address, Downtown Burj Dubai
Despite the pressures of his demanding role, Patrice is a chef who always remains calm under pressure, generous and good-humoured.
The glowing nomination also praised his efforts in training the team and preparing them for competitions, as well as the pleasure he take sin developing creative, innovative new dessert offerings.
• Ajmal Salim, Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri
Responsible for the hotel’s entire pastry as well as Choco-La, a chocolaterie in the adjacent souk, Ajmal is a busy man, boasting many other strongs to his bow including competition judging, taking part in the World Pastry Forum and contributing to a number of publications around the world, with his years of pastry expertise.
He was also praised as a respected member of the team — a view strengthened by glowing testimonials from his staff.
• Sarath Chandrasiri, Coral Beach Resort Sharjah
Sarath stood out with the description that he is “always striving towards innovation, in both the recipes and his approach to work”.
This dedication is exemplified by the enjoyment he takes from his role and the fact he is “an inspiration” to his colleagues.
• Laurent Allereau, Four Seasons Hotel Doha
Laurent, a dedicated chef devoted to his team and their progression, is an innovator and takes true pleasure from his role, conducting training, taking part in numerous events and competitions, and recently becoming a member of the French Culinary Academy.
His colleagues and even suppliers noted his innovation and praised him as someone whose “dedication and enthusiasm knows no bounds”.
Keep an eye on HME.com for the Restaurant Manager of the Year and Bar Manager of the Year shortlists, to be revealed at the start of next week!