Big surprises and more Italians take centre stage at World Gourmet Summit 2018. Yesterday at the Awards of Excellence (AOE) we saw new institutions in the spotlight an increasing number of outstanding Italian professionals and establishments from the F&B and hospitality industries, first of all Lino Sauro (Il Gattopardo Ristorante di Mare, Singapore) and Andrea De Paola (Osteria Art, Singapore). Widely regarded as one of the most respected accolades in Singapore and around the region, the AOE ceremony was held at One Farrer Hotel & Spa, with Guest of Honour Dr. István Szerdahelyi, Hungary’s Ambassador to the Republic of Singapore, in attendance.
An overwhelming response to the number of public nominations gives a clear indication of the appreciation for and acknowledgement of the pivotal role that the industry professionals play in the evolution of the F&B and hospitality scene in Asia.
“This year’s AOE recipients show us why the F&B and hospitality industries continue to thrive. As we celebrate our home-grown talents, Singapore is showcasing itself not just as a global platform for industry trends and progress but an important centre for learning and discovery,” Said Mr Peter Knipp, CEO of PKH Pte Ltd, which manages and curates the Awards of Excellence and the World Gourmet Summit.
Chefs Awards
1. MKN Chef of the Year: Angus Chow, Boruto
2. HALTON Executive Chef of the Year: Louis Tay, Swissotel Merchant Court
3. WELBILT Rising Chef of the Year: Andrea De Paola, Osteria Art
4. FABRISTEEL Asian Cuisine Chef of the Year: Joseph Sergentakis, CÉ LA VI
5. KüHLBARRA Asian Cuisine Chef of the Year (Regional): Ragil Imam Wibowo, Nusa Gastronomy, Indonesia Finalists
6. BRAND NEW MEDIA Baker of the Year: Leonard Yue, Swissôtel The Stamford
7. CACAO BARRY Pastry Chef of the Year: Winnie Goh, Mandarin Orchard Singapore
8. EPICURE Pastry Chef of the Year (Regional): Florian Guillemenot, Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
9. U.S. DAIRY EXPORT COUNCIL Chef’s Choice Award: Kirk Westaway, JAAN
Hospitality Awards
1. WINTERHALTER Caterer of the Year: Luxe Catering Finalists
2. MARRONE Hospitality Institution of the Year: Allspice Institute Finalists
3. ELECTROLUX Hospitality Institution of the Year (Regional): Sunway Le Cordon Bleu, Malaysia
4. U.S. DAIRY EXPORT COUNCIL Gourmet Distributor of the Year: Culina Pte Ltd
Service Professionals & Establishment Awards
1. HUBER’S BUTCHERY Restaurant of the Year: Gattopardo Ristorante di Mare
2. LUZERNE Restaurant of the Year (Regional): Mozaic, Indonesia
3. CHOPE Asian Cuisine Restaurant of the Year: Punjab Grill
4. TUNGLOK Asian Cuisine Restaurant of the Year (Regional): Tamarind Springs by Samadhi, Malaysia
5. BONCRU / ENOMATIC Bar of the Year: La Terre
6. HOBART New Restaurant of the Year: Bakalaki Greek Taverna
7. MEIKO Restaurant Manager of the Year: Ramesh G.Somani, Punjab Grill
8. LUZERNE Food & Beverage Manager of the Year: Amos Ting, Raffles Hotel Singapore
9. KüHLBARRA MICE & Banquet Manager of the Year: Bernard Chua, The Ritz-Carlton Millenia Singapore
10. TEASPEC Restaurateur of the Year: Ricky Ng, Blue Lotus
11. BONCRU / ENOMATIC Bar Manager of the Year: Daisuke Kawai, La Terre
Wine & Spirits Awards
1. BONCRU / ENOMATIC Sommelier of the Year: Alvin Gho, Wine RVLT
2. CULINA Old World Wine List of the Year: La Terre
3. CULINA New World Wine List of the Year: The White Rabbit
Special Category
1. LUZERNE Everyday Best Table Award: Jenny Loh, Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant, Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel • Mohammad Ummer, One Farrer Hotel & Spa • Nouri
2. LUZERNE Special Recognition Award RECIPIENT: Damian D’Silva
Highest Honors
1. SWISS EDUCATION GROUP Lifetime Achievement Award (Singapore) RECIPIENT: Edmund Toh
2. SWISS EDUCATION GROUP Lifetime Achievement Award (Singapore) RECIPIENT: Violet Oon
3. CHIJMES Hospitality Star RECIPIENT: Robert Stirrup
4. Hall of Fame The World Gourmet Summit: Salt Grill & Sky Bar, Awarded the ‘New World Wine List of the Year’ at the 2013, 2015 and 2017 World Gourmet Summit Awards of Excellence
And the party just started!
Some of the Singapore’s notable and award-winning establishments are hosting luxurious events and specially crafted dinners, as well as showcasing exclusive WGS menus.
Gourmet food lovers can also look forward to getting hands-on tips and culinary insights presented by both the visiting, and Singapore’s own masterchefs through various masterclasses and activities.
More WGS Signature Events to look out for:
▪ WGS The Discovery Brunch at Tamarind Hill on 8 April 2018. The best in the F&B industry comes together for one of the biggest gourmet parties of the year in our highly anticipated Sunday brunch. This is an affair for the most discerning of food lovers, with world-class cuisines and beverages in the spotlight.
▪ Hommage à Paul Bocuse with Julien Royer at Odette on 12 April 2018. The late great Paul Bocuse was a maestro before his time. One of the forefathers of “nouvelle cuisine”, his actions helped shape many of the contemporary styles we know today. In honor of him, chef prodigy Julien Royer will be serving a dinner – an interpretation of, and dedication to the legend’s peerless contribution to the culinary arts. Get ready for an exploration into the French cuisine like nothing you’ve experienced before on his home turf, Odette.
▪ A World of Cuisines at CHIJMES on 15 April 2018. Following the resounding success of last year’s inaugural UNGA event, this year’s event at CHIJMES will turn the cluster of restaurants and bars into a gourmet marketplace. Up to 40 stations will be manned by Singapore’s, and the region’s top experts to share information on products on offer. An excellent outing for foodies and families alike, UNGA promises to be a deliciously memorable experience.
▪ Peck @ Geese with Artur Moroz at Wooloomooloo Steakhouse on 17 April 2018. Enter Artur Moroz, one of Poland’s top chefs and owner of Bulaj, a restaurant located on the idyllic seaside town of Sopot. A supporter of the “Slow Food” movement, Chef Moroz fervently believes in sourcing ingredients from local suppliers and promoting healthy living through his food. He’s here to serve us a special dinner, an exploration of Polish culinary culture through one of its most ubiquitous staples: geese.
▪ Culinary Masterclass & Luncheon feat. Kevin Thornton at Miele Gallery on 17 April 2018, for only 12 guests. Irish celebrity chef, television personality, and author Kevin Thornton is here to share his vast culinary expertise: just don’t ask him to serve you chips! One of Ireland’s top chefs, Thornton made his name as an ardent champion and philosopher of Irish food. Be prepared to push your taste experience beyond the walls of the restaurant in this masterclass and luncheon that promises to be nothing less than deliciously entertaining.
▪ Mexico Fiesta at El Mero Mero on 18 April 2018. Everybody loves a good fiesta and Singapore’s top Mexican restaurant El Mero Mero throws the best. Don’t miss out on an evening of vibrant Mexican flavours as Chef Juan Pablo and his team whip up delectable nibbles and drinks, from home-made nachos and guacamole to ice cold margaritas.
▪ A Taste of Ukraine at Grissini, Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel on 20 April 2018. Let the talented Ukrainian, young traditionalist chef Yaroslav Artuykh, whisk you away in a night dedicated to the food and drink of his country. He’ll be serving a pairing menu of cocktails and delectable Ukrainian delights to introduce diners to their native cuisine.
▪ Hungry for Hungary at La Brasserie, The Fullerton Bay Hotel on 21 April 2018. This unique Hungarian dining experience is presented by Chef Péter Szabó of Budapest’s highly acclaimed La Parilla. Chef Szabó is known for crafting dishes that are considered art on the plate and made from lesser known ingredients. Diners are in for an unforgettable culinary experience with the robust flavours of Hungarian cuisine.
▪ See-Food Italian with Patrizia di Benedetto* at Gattopardo Ristorante di Mare on 21 April 2018. Take a detour from the typical Italian fare down to the island of Sicily and experience a whole new world of ingredients and traditions. True-blue Sicilian natives Lino Sauro, acclaimed chef of Gattopardo de Mare, and Patrizia Di Benedetto, the first Michelin starred woman of her region will be taking diners on a tour through the cuisine they call home, accompanied by a rich exposition of food by Italian food anthropologist Alessandra Gennaro.
Buon World Gourmet Summit a tutti!
(Valentina Righi - BOOP.NEWS)
