Coming to the boil at Seef!

SOME of Bahrain's brightest chefs will be putting their culinary skills to the test in a new hot competition that has the kitchens across the kingdom buzzing with anticipation.

HOTEC (Hospitality Technology Consulting) management, the organisers of 'Chef Master - the art of cuisine' contest, say it is attracting an array of professionals eager to take part in the 'live' cooking extravaganza to be staged from November 16 to 19.

The event at Seef Mall will be held under the patronage of the Ministry of Health and has the support of the Ministry of Tourism.

Elie Reaidy, director of HOTEC and competition creator, said: "This challenge aims to bring professional chefs in Bahrain to compete skillfully to gain the title of 'Chef Master'.

"Each chef will be asked to prepare an appetiser and a main course within 45 minutes. We hope that this competition will prove the quality of hospitality in Bahrain and attract more of these events to the region."

The competition is open to all professional chefs in Bahrain, is the first of its kind to be held in the kingdom, and aims to act as a showcase of the talent within the hotel and fine-dining establishments on the island.

Contender, executive sous chef Pramod Pillai from the Diplomat Radisson SAS in Manama, said: "It's really good that this contest is being held in Bahrain as many other Gulf countries already stage similar events.

"It's an excellent opportunity for the kingdom's chefs to show off their talents."

Also aiming to showcase his cooking creativity is Lebanese Head Chef Ridha Eid from the Elite Resort & Spa Hotel in Muharraq. He said: "I am confident that I can do well although it is my first-ever competition. It will be a great challenge as well as a valuable learning experience."

HOTEC Consulting and Management Services specialises in hospitality consulting and food and beverage management.