The beach of the newly launched Jetwing Blue in Negombo was transformed into a culinary carnival with wafting aromas and succulent flavours with ‘Jetwing’s Culinary Chef Challenge’ held recently .
The Challenge commenced in the morning, with star class chefs from Jetwing properties around the island participating. One of the unique facts about the event was that all aspects were coordinated by the culinary teams of the hotels. Chef Rohan Fernandopulle, Executive Chef of Hilton Colombo demonstrated the preparation of a signature dish, after which the candidates had a few hours to recreate the same dish for the elite panel of judges.
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| Blue Culinary Team- Kumudu de Silva nd Daya Wickremasinghe
with Chairman Hiran Cooray |
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| Jetwing Chef’s Challenge- Wasantha Kumar with Hiran Cooray |
The objective of the challenge is to gauge the contestant’s ability to react to changes in the menu at any given time. This will enable them to prepare dishes that are suggested by the guests from time to time who visit the kitchen as many guests visit the kitchen and suggest dishes to be prepared.
Bringing the morning session to an end, next up was the team challenge with two nominees from each hotel.
This is where things started to heat up, as each team selected both a work station and a black box containing ingredients, for which each ingredient had to be made use of to some extent.
With a varied selection of ingredients, teams were given time to compile and submit a four course menu for the evening dinner! Setting a feverish pace, the contestants raced against time to prepare and serve a gastronomical extravaganza.
Deliberately structured in order to simulate the need for high speed yet quality food delivery, the dinner was the high point for all the invitees, with many commenting on the difficult choice faced by the judges in selecting a winner.
Speaking at the event, Hiran Cooray, Chairman of Jetwing had the following to say: “I am especially proud of the initiative shown by our chefs, and their talent and potential is unsurpassed. Gastronomy has always been a part of Jetwing, as we certainly feel that good food is an important part of not only a resort chain, but a part of our culture as Sri Lankans as well.”
The evening drew to a close with the Awards Ceremony, where awards were given to the runners up of both events, and trophies for the winners of the Jetwing Culinary Chef Challenge and the Jetwing Culinary Box Challenge.
Pix by Pradeep Dirukshana |
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