Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (VP)
Mangaluru, Jul 28: The Expert Education and Charitable Foundation, in collaboration with Spices and Chef, held the 'Expert Master Chef 2024' contest on Sunday, July 28, at Expert Auditorium, Kodialbail.
The event provided a platform for students from Expert PU College to showcase their culinary skills and creativity alongside one of their parents.
Chief guest Milan Samuel, general manager operations, Mangaluru, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “I am happy to see such an event being organised. Food gives us life, and I’m thrilled to see the students cook. As a general manager, I have some suggestions for our students about what it means to be a chef. A chef is not just someone who cooks; they are an artist, blending aromas and tastes to create something delightful. A chef needs to be hardworking and engineer their menu in the kitchen. I encourage all students to cook with love, as it enhances the taste.”
Narendra L Nayak, chairman of Expert Group, delivered a presidential address, noting, “Everybody wants to be extraordinary, but excelling in one thing alone isn’t enough. Excelling in everything makes you extraordinary. Students should develop soft skills and continually improve them, as this will earn you respect in the future. Milan Samuel is a leading figure in hospitality, and chefs are not only artists but also blessed individuals. Cooking is an art form, and it’s important to embrace it. We should cook whenever we have spare time.”
He further added, “Students were required to prepare a full-course meal with dessert, focusing on presentation. They had to prepare the main meal independently, testing their skills as chefs.”
Dr Usha Prabha N Nayak, vice-chairperson, highlighted that the event, organised annually with Spices and Chef, was unique to their institution. “To join this contest, over 500 students applied through written tests and taste assessments. Cooking is akin to worship, as even animals and insects need food to survive. Men’s interest in cooking needs to be revived.”
She added, “The Expert Master Chef competition is an opportunity for our students to showcase their talents. We have always conducted such programmes with precision, and these experiences will benefit students in their future endeavours.”
Ashwin Pais, director of Spices and Chef, mentioned, “Today’s event allows students and their parents to work together. We have provided ingredients and a functional kitchen setup. Students must create a menu and focus on presentation. Hygiene is crucial, and marks will be awarded on an overall basis. We look forward to organising this event annually at the Expert Kodialbail campus.”
Judges for the event included Sudheendra Prabhu from Hotel Maharaja, baker and start-up owner Marian Mohiudeen, anchor Abhishek Shetty, along with co-judges Bharathi Shetty, a home-cook turned entrepreneur, and Smitha D'Souza, model and owner of Sansims Delight.