On location: CATRION cooking competition kicks off in Danang
Video credit: APOT
Day two of the APOT Asia Networking Event started bright and early yesterday morning at 6 a.m. with CATRION's International Chefs Competition, Jetsetter's Palate. Taking place at Ariyana Beach Resort, a short shuttle ride from Furama Resort, the competition invited cooks to present an appetizer, main course and dessert that follow all necessary airline catering regulations. The competition provides young chefs the opportunity to learn what goes into creating meals for airline passengers.
As a judge, Chef Thomas A. Gugler, President of Worldchefs and CATRION, told the competitors, "Cook what you know, bring your culture to the world through food. Do that, and you cannot fail."
Chef Thomas A. Gugler, President of Worldchefs and CATRION (left) and Doan Van Tuan, Executive Chef for Furama Resort, Furama Villas and Ariyana Convention Center, evaluating meals at the November 26 event
Judges offering feedback to the cooks
In conversation with PAX International, Gugler elaborated on this insight. He said his best advice for the competitors—and everyone who cooks—is to go back to their roots, to what they know best. Most people grow up inheriting family recipes. He encourages cooks to perfect these dishes, add a sophisticated twist of their own and not to focus on making a fancy or expensive dish. His main message: Meals do not need to be overcomplicated to be emotional, memorable and tasty.
Photo with Thomas A. Gugler, President of Worldchefs and CATRION
Dishes created for the competition
As the morning unfolded, cooks were invited to present their meals to the impressive panel of of judges, including Gugler and Doan Van Tuan, Executive Chef for Furama Resort, Furama Villas and Ariyana Convention Center. They examined the dishes, tasted each one and offered real-time feedback to cooks, providing explanations on what works in airline catering and what is not realistic.
The judges evaluated the dishes just before noon, considering presentation, taste, food safety and airline suitability among other criteria. Winners be announced at tonight's gala dinner.
The judging process unfolds
"I'm very happy with the competition. All the chefs did perfect, but airline catering is different. They must be seasoned [a certain way], the meals are cooked one day and served the next, and so on. We tried to show them this—and we found a winner, we found the one," Tuan told PAX International.
See more images of the event below:
