Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay hosted the 2019 Marriott International Culinary Workshop which 30 Executive Chefs from Marriott International properties across Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands taking part.

The workshop was led by the Marriott International Culinary Director of Asia Pacific, Chef Toine Hoeksel, who has been at the forefront of the industry for the last 25 years.

He also leads a Michelin starred restaurant Le Baie at The Ritz Carlton in Osaka, Japan.

Accompanying Chef Toine Hoeksel was Chef Raheel Ahmad, Regional Culinary Director of Marriott International, who looks after 270 hotels across 22 different brands around the Asia-Pacific region.

Silvano Dressino, General Manager and Achim Herterich, Executive Assistant Manager and Director of Food and Beverage of Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay Resort, welcomed the chefs. They noted this was a great opportunity for local chefs to upgrade their culinary skills and exchange a wealth of ideas from the travelling Executive Chefs.

This event was also attended by local celebrity Chef, Lance Seeto who conducted a cooking class for the 30 Executive Chefs using locally sourced ingredients.

Following this competitions including cooking a meal under half an hour using a special ingredient and the inaugural ‘Serve Fiji Cocktail competition’ were held. This was a bartender showdown between the bartenders of Fiji Marriott Momi Bay, Sheraton Fiji Resort and The Westin Denarau Island resorts.

The culinary talents of Fiji and Marriott Associates continue to garner recognition following Chef Ravinesh Prasad’s Silver Medal at Global Young Chef by the Culinary Committee of World Association of Chefs Society Marriott International Fiji Resorts is committed to being at the forefront of culinary innovation.

This event was the first of its kind to be held in Fiji and there are plans to have more of the events in the future.

Mr Herterich strongly sees the importance of such events and feels proud for their resort to be the host for the Culinary Workshop 2019.

“Fiji Marriott Momi Bay is proud to have hosted the first 2019 Fiji Culinary work shop for a gathering of 30 Executive Chefs who come together once a year with culinary leaders from regional and continent offices to discuss future directions of the culinary world and support our “Go local” philosophy,” Mr Herterich said.

Feedback:  charles.chambers@fijisun.com.fj