Amazing food fest

It was a food fest of amazing proportions, the bi-annual Food and Hotel Malaysia show (FHM) and Culinaire 2009 last week was a success.

With thousands of trade visitors milling in and out over the four days to check out the latest in food, beverage and everything else in between as well as 868 participants competing their hearts out in the culinaire competition happening at the same time, the buzz and excitement was nothing short of exhilarating.

Starting off the journey in the exhibitor’s halls, the smell of food pretty much paved the way. From freshly baked bread to sizzling wagyu beef, it was a diet’s worst enemy.

A total 650 participants, both local and international, food and wares of every kind imaginable were on display. Taking part in the fair were big players like Boncafe, Lucky Frozen and Pastry Pro.

After travelling the halls together with the trade visitors, it was time to pop into Hall Five, where the prestigious Culinaire was held.

Stepping into the said hall Centre was a little like stepping into a wonderland, it was a burst of colourful sculptures, appetizers and table settings.
Culinaire

MAGNIFICENT: Colourful sculptures on display

There were makeshift kitchens set up where the hot cooking was held as well as a bartending competition taking place on stage right in the middle of all the hustle and bustle.

The inaugural Culinaire Malaysia was held in 1993 alongside the FHM exhibition and ever since then, the bi-annual event has been held in conjunction with FHM and can be said to be a major highlight not only in the show but in the industry.

“This is our 9th successive event and over the years, Culinaire Malaysia has progressed rapidly into the biggest culinary event in the region. Our prime objective is to set a higher benchmark on the culinary standard in the Malaysian hospitality industry and to recognise and motivate individual chefs who excel in their field of culinary art that matches world standards,” said Cheah Swee Hee, organising chairman, Culinaire Malaysia 2009.

Taking home top honours this year was Westin Hotel’s Hamdan Ahmad who was crowned Most Outstanding
Chef, while venue host Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre swiped the Most Outstanding Team award as well as Most Outstanding F&B Personnel.

Most Outstanding Apprentice went to Kho Woe Cheng of Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur; Most Outstanding Pastry Chef to M.Kumaran of Hotel Istana and Most Outstanding Artist was awarded to Norammar Md Masri from One World Hotel, just to name a few.

“Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) as the main organising body wishes to incite more young Malaysians to look at the hospitality industry as a professional career.

We aim to create and instill interest among the Gen Y to pursue the skills at the highest standards. It is only through events such as Culinaire Malaysia that we are able to showcase the skills and artistic talents of our professionals and further enhance the quality of service in our hospitality industry,” said MAH president Datuk Mohd Ilyas Zainol Abidin.

All in all, Culinaire 2009 proved to be an exciting presentation of what our local talents are able to achieve. And speaking for all those present, we are now awaiting the next one with bated breath.