Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (VP)
Mangaluru, Dec 10: Expert Educational and Charitable Foundation, in collaboration with Spices and Chef, an institutional catering service staged the Expert Master Chef contest 2023 that was inaugurated on Sunday, December 10 at the Expert Auditorium, Kodialbail. The contest was a platform for the students of Expert PU College to showcase their culinary skills and creativity in cooking along with one of their parents.
The event welcomed Dewarat Mandal, executive chef of Ocean Pearl, as the chief guest, in the presence of Narendra L Nayak, chairman of Expert College and Dr Usha Prabha N, vice-chairperson of Expert college. As the guest of honour, Ustad Rafeek Khan, trustee of the Expert Group, was accompanied by Ramachandra Bhat, principal of Expert College, Kodialbail.
The Dewbrat Mandal, executive chef of Ocean Pearl, the Chief Guest for the occasion inaugurated the culinary contest by tempering the spices (tadka). Speaking on the occasion, Mandal said, "Cooking is an art which brings out the cultural essence." He wished the contestants to put in their best efforts and enjoy cooking.
Prof Narendra L Nayak, chairman, Expert Group of Institutions, Mangaluru, said, “Cooking is a prioritized soft skill which is the need of the hour to be learnt by both men and women.” He further praised Spices n Chefs for doing a great job in providing a systematic taste for both the campus at Kodialbail and Valachil.
Dr Usha Prabha N, said, "This unique event showcases the talents of our students, providing them with an opportunity to understand the challenges faced by those who cook for them on a daily basis. Cooking is both a science and an art, but it's all about emotions for me. Food is an important part of understanding people and their traditions. Let us keep our culture alive by embracing Indian-style cooking."
"We may not be numerous, but we aim to be the best for a long time," said Narendra Nayak, emphasising the importance of culinary skills. "Soft skills, particularly cooking, are essential. This programme is intended to encourage and empower our students, emphasising that cooking is not a gender-specific skill which should be mastered by everyone," he said.
There were eight teams consisting of three students along with one parent, who had to prepare a four-course meal consisting of a salad, a starter, a main course, and a dessert within 2 Hours under the supervision of the judges. The teams had to design their menu based on a given theme. The teams had to use the spices and ingredients provided by Spices N Chefs, and also had to follow the rules and regulations of the contest. Manmohan Pai, proprietor of SRM Distributors and director of Diana Theatre Pvt Ltd, Ananya Harish, founder of Sinful Temptations and Denzil D'Costa, HoD of BSC Hospitality College, Milagres, Mangaluru were among the distinguished panel of judges.
Ustad Rafique Khan, the Trustee of Expert College, was the guest of honour on the occasion. He gave his best wishes to the participants.
The winning team of Master Chef Contest 2023 was Team Magnifera and the team members were Khadeeja Ayfuna, Taiba Zainab, Sanskriti Suvarna and the parent U Sunaina Asif. The first runner-up was Team Annona and the team members were S Suhani Shetty, Shaina Melora Rebello, Ishwari Rai and the parent Deepthi Rai. The second runner-up was Team Vinifera, team members were Preksha Avabratha, Gunjan S Marla, Janvi Shetty and the parent Reshma Shetty.
Speaking on the competitive edge of the contest, Denzil Celestine D'Costa said that, "Everyone cannot be winners but nobody is a loser." Dr Yashwant Nayak, grandparent of one of the participants was happy that he got a chance to take part in this competition with the youngsters.
Architect Deepika A Nayak, Prof Ramachandra Bhat, principal, Expert PU College, Kodialbail, Rajesh E T, unit head, Spices and Chefs, M C Souparnika, quality manager and Joan Zita D’Souza, head of the English Department and programme director, and other faculty members were present on the occasion.
Dinesh Palliyil, managing director, Spices and Chefs proposed a vote of Thanks. Audina D’Souza and Anusha K, faculties, welcomed the dignitaries and compered the programme.
On the judging panel, Manmohan Pai, proprietor of SRM Distributors, director of Diana Theatre Pvt Ltd, Ananya Harish, founder of ‘Sinful Temptations” a home baked confectionery, Denzil Celestine D’Costa, HoD of BSc Home Science at Milagres College and co-judges Anuradha G Bhat, designated partner and general Manager of Operations, Sugandhi Food Retails and Arith Joel Pinto, lecturer in the Dept of Hospitality Science at Milagres Degree College were present.
The Expert Master Chef Contest 2023 was a resounding success, showcasing the talent and passion of the students of Expert PU College in cooking and food. The event was a blend of fun, learning, and competition, leaving everyone with a taste of excellence and satisfaction.