Dubai: Mangalore Konkans contest brings out the best in culinary art
Report & Pics by Deepak Machado
Dubai, May 27: As many as 35 enthusiastic cooks descended on the Gem Conference Room of Karama Hotel Dubai for Culinary and Creativity Skills contest organised by Mangalore Konkans Dubai in association with “Chilly Willy” on Friday May 24, as part of their 25th year Anniversary Celebrations (1988 – 2013).
This was the fifth cookery competition organized in Dubai by Mangalore Konkans Dubai, known for its activities of promoting Konkani language and culture.
Contestants had a choice of 4 categories, to choose only one of them. The categories were Starters, Mangalorean Meal, Chutney and On the spot fruit/vegetable carving. The event began at 4:30 pm with prayers. The judging criteria included taste, aroma, creativity, nutritional factors, presentation etc.
The enthusiastic participants did not leave any stone unturned in impressing the following skilled and renowned judges in the food and catering industry :
Clotilda Mathias
Ines Soares
Eric Lewis (Eric’s Restaurant)
Chef Vijay Poojary
Chef Ummer Kunhi
Chef Menino D’Corte
While the judges were doing their part, Harold G Oronha, food technologist, working as conformity officer in Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology (ESMA) delivered a very educative session on "Food Safety during Food preparation" which was beyond doubt interesting and inspiring.
Roshan D'Silva, the master of ceremony for the event presented various general knowledge related questions to the audience which kept the audience entertained throughout.
Having as many as 35 dishes to judge, the judges expressed that the process was mindboggling and tough. Eric Lewis speaking on the occasion, admired the participants’ skills and creativity and compared them to highly talented artistes. Ines, who also spoke, emphasized on the importance of food safety while preparing the food.
The highlight of the entire event was that Mangalore Konkans broke the barrier of women dominancy in the cookery field by having men contest and win prizes.
Winners of the contest in various categories:
Appetizers / Starters
1st prize - Joylin D’Souza
2nd prize - Jeevan Vaz
3rd prize - Florina John
Mangalorean Meal
1st prize - Reshma D’Souza
2nd prize - Benedicta Lobo
3rd prize - Frenny Fernandes
Chutney
1st prize - Rita D’Souza
2nd prize - Isabel Yousuf
3rd prize - Lawrence Fernandes
On the Spot Fruit & Vegetable Carving
1st prize - Sheral Mascarenhas
2nd prize - Donald D’Souza
3rd prize - Danica Coelho
While the winners took home cash prizes as well as gift hampers from Chilly Willy and Emirates Oil Refining Co (IFFCO), all the other participants too were duly rewarded with gift hampers and the guests were thrilled to receive Sunny Cooking Oil sponsored by IFFCO. The prizes were awarded by chief guest Mamta Sateesha, wife of Sateesha Venkatramana and managing partner of Chilly Willy.
Ronald D’Cunha, one of the founder members and ex-president, welcomed the participants and the guests, while Joyce Menezes briefed the Rules and Regulations of the contest. Aboline D’Cunha introduced the judges and Cedric Fernandes introduced the main speaker of the event. Hilda Pais proposed the vote of thanks. The entire event was spotlessly conducted under the main coordination of Marina Menezes and Hilda Pais.
Special Note: Vividh Vinodaval Spordho (Konkani Talent contest for groups) as part of Mangalore Konkan’s Silver Jubilee celebrations has been planned on June 28 at JSS School (near Safa Park – Behind Gulf News Office). This event is being put together, to promote Konkani language and talent and is open to all Konkani lovers. Entry is FREE, with limited seating on a first-come-first-served basis. Save your date and mark your calendar right away.