Hilton Colombo appoints new executive chef
View(s):Hilton Colombo announced the appointment of their new executive chef Daniel Leah last month. Originally from Manchester in UK, he has been with Hilton Worldwide for 16 years sharing his expertise in Saudi Arabia, India and the United Kingdom.
Chef Leah replaces Rohan Fernandopulle who has left Hilton Worldwide to further pursue his career in the hospitality industry.
Chef Daniel Leah
Leah’s notable achievements in his career have been his stints in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, namely; Hilton Jeddah famous for catering to large banquets of 35, 000 covers and dealing with international dignitaries for governments and visiting Royal families from around the world. He has also been part of the opening team of the seven-star Hilton Waldorf Astoria Qasr Al Sharq, and many properties in the UK. Chef Leah has a diploma in professional cookery from North Area College, Stockport, United Kingdom.
Daniel Leah served up a three course lunch for the media that started off with culinary delights like Slipper lobster cocktail and Crustacean Cappuccino, followed by Pan fried sea bass crusted with sun dried tomato and Scallop and Asparagus Wellington, finished off with a delectable Bailey’s Caramel Mousse with Trilogy and Berry Salsa. He had wanted to make his first meal here as English as possible. He said he doesn’t like pastry cooking but rather enjoys the hot kitchen.
He loves French cuisine and to cook for informal social events where people all eat together rather than for formal showcase events. “I’m looking forward to working in Sri Lanka. I have been here a couple of times before on family vacations and I think I have the general idea of Sri Lankan cuisine. I want to experiment with fusions, adding Sri Lankan elements into British food. I think it’s a good combination. I love to work with spices and sea food,” he said. “It’s a different culture here but I’m sure I’ll get used to it.
Even though I just arrived I already have two big projects in my hand- the upcoming Commonwealth Summit and October Fest. I’m already looking for new concepts and I hope to give my best contribution not only to the hotel but also to the industry in Sri Lanka.” October fest will take place from October 24 till November 02.
Daniel Leah will be responsible for the hotel’s overall kitchen operations – its restaurants, bars as well as banqueting. “We are happy to have Daniel on the team and we look forward to introducing a variety of concepts in our food and beverage areas of the hotel and deliver a unique experience to the discerning diner,” General Manager of Hilton Colombo Rudolf Troestler said.
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