Christian Knecht is proud to be the first executive chef at the new Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay.

The 34-year old German chef has worked at various 5-star hotels in Switzerland, where he spent close to five years, before moving to Australia to join The Westin Sydney team for six months.

Mr Knecht then joined  Sheraton on the Park in Sydney where he worked for four years from demi chef to chef de partie.

He then returned to Germany to complete his Masters Degree culinary arts.

He returned afterward to the Sheraton on the Park in Sydney as Junior Sous Chef and worked his way to Executive Chef.

Since February  he was part of the Marriott Fiji Resort opening task force and he was impressed.

“I like it here, I was happy to be offered this position,” he said.

“I have a vibrant team of chefs and majority are local chefs. They are very enthusiastic in what they do and they hard working. They show a lot of interest on what I teach them.”

The property itself has outstanding architectural designs with over-the-water Bures.

“We have a beautiful open face kitchen concept and the equipment are first class.

“Our customers  expect a lot from this hotel and obviously we will live up to it.

“To be honest this profession has  brought me this far.

“I have been enjoying the different cuisines that I ’ve been part of and having to travel to different countries learning new skills and ideas.”

Mr Knecht added that ever since he moved to Australia, he always wish to visit Fiji.

He would have never thought of coming to Fiji if he had gone back to German, he says.

He will be accompanied by his family in few weeks.

Christian Knecht (far right) is proud to be the first executive chef with his team at the Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay Photo: WAISEA NASOKIA

The resort has three restaurants:

•  The Godi restaurant.

It serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.

“At the moment we have buffet breakfast only and when it picks up then will do buffet dinner also,” said Mr Knecht

•  Fish Bar Restaurant.

The restaurant is near the ocean boasting a very beautiful sunset you can ever see.

The restaurant serves seafood and steak, more of grilled fish, he says.

•  Lagoon Restaurant.

The restaurant specialises in Italian and Mediterranean cuisines.

“More like of family hearty food like pizza, pasta so it’s a little bit of everyone.”

Edited By: Selita Bolanavanua

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