Movenpick chef wins Paris trip in chef comp
A chef from Mövenpick Hotel Jumeirah Beach has won an all-expenses paid trip to Paris, after winning last week’s chef competition organised by F&B supplier Nestlé Professional.
Contestants were given one-and-a-half-hours to create a starter and a main course, using Nestlé’s latest product: a new Maggi chicken bouillon geared exclusively towards professional kitchens.
Held at The Address Dubai Marina, the competition — entitled 'Create with Maggi and win a trip to see Mona', referring to the renowned portrait of the Mona Lisa housed in Paris gallery The Louvre — was the largest event of its kind to be held in the region, with 50 chefs vying for the top spot.
After a heated competition, Mövenpick chef de partie Gerard Ludowyke was awarded first place for his starter of pan-fried scallops with carrot purée, chicken milk foam and buttered asparagus, with a main of slow-poached chicken roulade with celery and beef bacon, onion confit, mash potato and chicken tarragon cream.
The Address Hotel Dubai Marina’s Nick Vass came in second with The Address Hotel Downtown’s Daniel Edward taking third, while the winner of the separate Hygiene Award was Ajesh Gopi, from The Bonnington Hotel. Commenting on his win, Ludowyke said it felt “amazing” to have taken first place. “I have tried a few competitions before but this was my first win, so I am very happy, surprised and proud for myself and my hotel,” he said.
Commenting on the innovative idea of using a chef competition as a platform to launch the new Maggi bouillon, Nestlé Professional brand manager Mary-Ann Gardner explained: “We wanted to launch it in a way that would inspire chefs to be creative with the product. “We started from the basis of holding the largest cooking competition in the Middle East, and the idea just grew from there.”
By taking first place, chef Ludowyke has won a three-night stay in Paris for himself and his executive chef, staying at the renowned Hôtel de Crillon; a ticket to the Louvre to see the Mona Lisa; a ticket to see the famed French cabaret Lido; and a day trip to the city’s renowned food market.
“The market trip will give them the opportunity to buy some of their favourite ingredients, which they will then get to cook with the world-renowned chefs in Le Crillon kitchen,” Gardner said. “Its a personal day of enjoyment for them — a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”
Winner Ludowyke added: “The trip to Paris is incredible; to visit such a famous hotel and be able to learn and watch what they do there will be an amazing experience, and one that I will cherish for the rest of my life.
“I would like to thank Nestlé for this opportunity."
The new Maggi Chicken bouillon is now available across the Gulf. For more information, visit: www.nestle-family.com/maggi/english