MORE than 225 chefs from restaurants and resorts across the country are going head-to-head for the ultimate prize at the 2019 National Salon Culinaire in progress at the Fiji National University’s Namaka campus.
Fiji Chefs Association president Nilesh Chand said the response for this year’s competition had been very positive.
“This year we had a lot more competitors than we had last year and that is always a positive and good sign of the response that we get for this competition,” he said.
“Upon the start of the competition on Tuesday, we have seen the interest grow each day.
“So far we have done our Junior Chef of the Year competition and then we will have an open category where chefs are required to create a beef and fish dish.
“As the week progresses, we expect competition to get tougher.”
First-time competitor Shangri-La’s Fijian Resort and Spa junior chef Mataloa said competing among some of the country’s best was a great opportunity for her.
“This competition has opened doors for a lot of chefs, and for me being here is a great way to learn more about what we can do to improve our skill,” she said.
“I’ve been a part-time chef at Shangri-La’s for more than a year, and so far this profession has shown me how our work is very important especially for the tourism industry.
“It’s encouraging to see more local chefs come together to display and showcase what they can do in the kitchen.
