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AWARD-WINNING chef Paul Gindra has some fresh ideas to bring added zing to the Royal Golf Club’s restaurants and catering facilities … all starting in the herb garden.
In his first week he has thrown out the microwave oven in the kitchen and emptied the frozen packets of food into the waste bin as he endeavours to combine tasty, homely and classy cuisine on to the menus.
“I hate microwaves,” he said. “I’ve taken it out, it’s always a shortcut and I don’t like shortcuts. The frozen stuff has gone too.
“We’re going to be creative but keep things simple using the freshest ingredients.”
His first stop has been to the club’s very own herb garden, which will add tantalising tastes to the cuisine and already extra lemon thyme and parsley plants have been planted to grow alongside the basil, carrots and tomato crops.
Paul has acted as a level two accredited judge in the South African Chefs’ Association, of which he was also vice-chairman in 2008. He has won numerous notable awards during his career including being the national winner of the 2008 MLA Black Box Culinary Challenge, going on to be a finalist in the global finals in Dubai and winning gold, silver and bronze medals in the 2008 Culinary Olympics in Germany. He is also a member of the Chaine des Rotisseurs.
“I am really excited to be in Bahrain,” said Paul who has moved to Bahrain with his wife, Stasha, and son Byron, 12. The couple’s daughter, Hannah, seven, is continuing her studies in South Africa.
“I’m looking forward to reviewing the dishes in Links and Prego restaurants and ensuring more regular updates of their very comprehensive menus going forwards,” he said. “I’m also planning to introduce many new plants into our existing herb garden to ensure that every dish is as fresh tasting as possible.
“I’ve been observing and reviewing the operation and the biggest thing I want to ensure is that there is fun for the kids and that we become even more family-orientated. All the outlets will be relaunched and given a facelift. These are very exciting times.”
Paul’s arrival follows the recent appointment of Stephen Havrilla as general manager at the Royal Golf Club.
