20th Annual Chef Awards: Honoring India's Top Culinary Talents

20th Annual Chef Awards: Honoring India's Top Culinary Talents

By Author

Published on October 26, 2023

The 20th Annual Chef Awards, a much-anticipated event organized by the Indian Culinary Forum (ICF), was held at Hotel Ashok in New Delhi as part of the International Chefs Day celebrations. The luminous event, distinguished for honoring the culinary arts and those who elevate them, was graced by the presence of Priya Paul, Chairperson of Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels, as the chief guest.

A remarkable twenty years have passed since the inauguration of these awards, each year witnessing a grander, more opulent ceremony than the last. This occasion was no different, with 18 culinary maestros and four esteemed individuals receiving the special Presidium awards, a testament to their unfettered contribution to the tapestry of the hospitality industry. The ceremony was not just a gathering but a tribute, a melody of claps and cheers echoing the halls, singing praises of the artistry that is often confined to the silence of the kitchen.

A four-day culinary competition, as rigorous as it was exhilarating, preluded the event. Over 150 chefs from the diverse and rich landscapes of India clashed spatulas, their skill and innovation evaluated by a distinguished panel of WACS-certified jury members from across the nation. Eleven emerged victorious, their talent and prowess earning them the coveted MasterChef awards.

Chef Davinder Kumar, the President of the ICF, painted a vivid picture of the significance of these awards, "They are about nurturing their growth and enhancing Indian cuisine's worldwide appeal,” he said. A sentiment echoed by Chef Vivek Saggar, the General Secretary of the ICF, who highlighted the two-decade journey of hosting the Annual Chef Awards. This event was not just a celebration but a global showcase of Indian culinary art, a source of inspiration for budding talents and established chefs alike.

A cascade of awards flowed through the evening. Chef Shaju Zacharia was adorned with the Lifetime Achievement Award, a tribute echoing the years of dedication and passion he poured into his craft. The Golden Hat Award found its deserving recipient in Chef Rajiv Malhotra, a name synonymous with innovation and excellence in the culinary world.

The ICF, a beacon of culinary arts in India, aims to not just celebrate but elevate the craft. It strives to ignite careers, disseminate the aromatic allure of Indian flavors globally, and carve a niche where artistry, skill, and innovation in the culinary world are not just recognized but revered. This year’s Annual Chef Awards was a testament to this relentless pursuit, a melody of spices and flavors, artistry and skill, celebration and honor that would linger long after the curtains drew to a close.


Experience Monsoon Bliss at Sesame – Hyatt Centric Juhu with the Ramen Biyori Menu

Experience Monsoon Bliss at Sesame – Hyatt Centric Juhu with the Ramen Biyori Menu

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on July 27, 2024

As the monsoon rains pour down, there's nothing quite like enjoying a warm bowl of ramen paired with a refreshing drink. This cozy experience is exactly what Sesame at Hyatt Centric Juhu offers with their special "Ramen Biyori" menu. Translating to "A Perfect Day for Ramen," this menu, available from July 19th to August 4th, promises a delightful culinary escape from the rainy weather.

Chef Rahul Shrivastava, the Executive Chef at Sesame - Hyatt Centric Juhu, emphasizes the artistry behind their ramen. “Ramen is a culinary art that demands meticulous attention to detail and a deep understanding of its components. At Sesame, we harmoniously balance rich, flavorful broths, house-made jowar, ragi, and wheat noodles, and a variety of toppings to create a unique dining experience. Our broths, from light Shio to creamy Tonkatsu, are carefully simmered for hours to extract complex flavors, while our innovative tare and carefully selected toppings elevate each bowl. Crafting the perfect ramen is a labor of love and precision, reflecting our commitment to authenticity and excellence.

The menu features a range of ramen dishes designed to bring warmth and joy during the monsoon season. From rich and flavorful broths to perfectly cooked noodles, there's something to satisfy every palate. Traditional options include Shio Ramen (light and clear chicken broth), Shoyu Ramen (rich and savory broth), Tonkatsu Ramen (rich and creamy broth), and Miso Ramen (flavorful bonito-Shiro miso broth). For those seeking something different, Sesame offers innovative takes like Edamame & Tofu Ramen (clear vegetable broth with kimchi tare) and Chicken & Chili Roulade (clear chicken broth with kimchi tare and chili-green onion chicken pâté). Guests can also personalize their ramen with house-made jowar, ragi, and wheat noodles, spicy chili oil, vegetable toppings like jalapeños and bamboo shoots, and protein options like jammy eggs.

image

To complement the ramen experience, Sesame has an "Every Hour = Happy Hour" promotion running from July 1st to August 31st. Enjoy 50% off on select beverages, including classic cocktails such as the Ichigo Sour and Shiso Negroni, as well as beers and spirits. This offer is available daily from 11 AM to 8 PM, making it the perfect way to unwind after a satisfying meal.

The combination of the "Ramen Biyori" menu and the "Every Hour = Happy Hour" promotion makes Sesame - Hyatt Centric Juhu the ideal destination to savor the monsoon season. Guests can curl up with a steaming bowl of ramen or raise a toast with a refreshing cocktail, turning rainy days into a delightful adventure.

image

About Hyatt Centric Juhu

Located in the vibrant city of Mumbai, Hyatt Centric Juhu Mumbai provides a luxurious escape with contemporary design, unparalleled hospitality, and breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea. Situated in the upscale Juhu neighborhood, the hotel offers easy access to iconic landmarks, shopping districts, and entertainment hubs, making it a prime spot for both business and leisure travelers. The hotel features spacious and elegantly appointed rooms and suites, each equipped with modern amenities and personalized service, ensuring a comfortable and memorable stay for every guest.

Dates to Remember:

Ramen Biyori: July 19 to August 4

Happy Hours: July 1 to August 31

Reservation Number: +91 86578 84964

Address: Lobby Level, Sesame - Hyatt Centric Juhu, Juhu Tara Rd, Santacruz West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400049


Experience the Spicy Delights of Saoji Cuisine at The Den’s Sunday Brunch

Experience the Spicy Delights of Saoji Cuisine at The Den’s Sunday Brunch

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on July 27, 2024

The Den, renowned for its luxury and culinary excellence, invites you to a unique Sunday Brunch featuring the bold and spicy flavors of Saoji cuisine. Originating from the Halba Koshti weaver community of Madhya Pradesh and brought to Nagpur, Maharashtra, Saoji cuisine offers a distinctive and fiery gastronomic experience.

This special brunch will be hosted at The Creek, The Den Bengaluru, on Sunday, 28th July 2024, from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Guests can enjoy an array of Saoji dishes such as Jhunka with Bhakar, Marathi Kadhi, Bharleli Vangi, Saoji Murgh, Varhadi Mutton, Assorted Thecha, Lasun Chutney, Dhabeli Pao, Thari Poha, Patudi Rassa, Dal Bhaji, and Besan Arbi Wadi. Each dish promises to deliver the authentic and intense flavors that Saoji cuisine is known for.

Set in an elegant and lavish ambiance, the brunch is designed to offer more than just a meal. It includes a wide selection of beverages, live music to enhance the dining experience, and activities for children, ensuring that guests of all ages have a delightful time. The impeccable service and attention to detail are hallmarks of The Den, ensuring that every guest enjoys a memorable culinary journey.

image

The Den's Saoji-themed Sunday Brunch is priced at INR 2199 plus taxes. Given the exclusive nature of this event, reservations are highly recommended. For bookings, please contact 80 71117272 or +91 951367272.

Join The Den for this extraordinary brunch and savor the fiery flavors of Saoji cuisine in an elegant setting, making your Sunday a truly special occasion.


Locally Sourced, Seasonally Inspired: Toast & Tonic's Monsoon Menu

Locally Sourced, Seasonally Inspired: Toast & Tonic's Monsoon Menu

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 26, 2024

As the monsoon season arrives with its refreshing showers, Toast & Tonic Bengaluru has unveiled a new Monsoon Menu, available from July 15th. This limited-time menu captures the essence of the season with hearty, comforting dishes crafted from locally sourced, seasonal ingredients.

Menu Highlights:

  • Corn & Lotus Root Fritters: Crispy and golden, served with a house-made sweet chili sauce and BBQ rub.

  • Green Scallion Pancake: Made with ragi sourdough batter, house-made kimchi, and soy & sesame sauce.

  • Chicken Wonton Soup: A warm bowl of light chicken broth with Bhavnagri chili oil, bok choy, and savory wontons.

  • Lamb Sliders: Juicy lamb patties topped with Andouille sausage, pickled cucumber, cilantro crema, and jalapeño.

  • Crab Croquettes: Crunchy exterior with pickled onions, jowar flake crust, and dill aioli.

  • Pork Teriyaki Noodles: A satisfying mix of Bandel cheese, bacon, pork belly, and flat rice noodles.

image

Signature Cocktails:

  • The Irish Kiss: A blend of Irish whiskey, cinnamon whiskey, fresh lime, apple juice, and wild honey syrup.

  • Honey Punch: Gin, cranberry juice, rosemary, thyme, honey, and lime.

  • Miss Caramella: Gin with homemade popcorn and caramel syrup, fresh lime, and tonic.

  • Cloudy Collins: Gin mixed with fresh pineapple, green pepper, muddled with homemade thyme cordial, and topped with tonic.

  • The Wild Wild Citrus: Irish whiskey, honey, fresh lime, and dehydrated citrus fruits.

For dessert, enjoy the comforting Warm Dutch Apple Cake with plum compote, sour cherry gel, brandy snap, vanilla crumble, and salted caramel ice cream—a perfect end to a monsoon meal.

image

About Toast & Tonic:

Toast & Tonic, renowned for its creativity and sustainability, began its journey in Bangalore and has expanded to Mumbai. With a focus on innovation and local inspirations, Toast & Tonic offers a diverse menu and has earned several international accolades, including the Conde Nast Traveller UK Hot List and Times Food and Nightlife Awards. Follow @toastandtonic for more updates.

Celebrate the monsoon season with a flavorful experience at Toast & Tonic, where every dish and drink reflects the spirit of the season.

Stay up-to-date with the latest Hospitality news and trends in the Hospitality industry!

Subscribe to Hospitality news e-magazine for free and never miss an issue.

By clicking subscribe for free you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.

Advertise With Us

We have various options to advertise with us including Events, Advertorials, Banners, Mailers, etc.