Radisson Hotel Group Cook-Off 2019

Radisson Hotel Group, one of world’s largest hotel groups and amongst the leading international hotel operators in India, hosted a unique ‘Cook Off’ competition to identify and honor the finest culinary talent, across its portfolio in India. The overall aim of this initiative was to provide a platform for the group’s kitchen and bar professionals to shine, creating original and inventive dishes, that were tasted and assigned scores by an expert panel of judges.

Conducted on a national level, the event saw participation from 50 Food and Drinks (F&D) chefs including commis chefs, chefs de partie, pastry chefs, sous chefs and bartenders. Each participant was asked to prepare a three-course menu in a series of categories, in line with the latest F&D trends, including authentic Indian regional and international cuisines, cold kitchen, hot and cold desserts, breakfast bakery, kebabs and breads, and cocktail mixology.

The nationwide challenge was divided into two geographical regions: North-East and South-West. The North-East Zone contest took place on 31^st July 2019 at Radisson Gurugram Udyog Vihar, while its South-West Zone counterpart happened on 26^th August 2019 at Radisson Mumbai Andheri MIDC. The best dishes from the competition will become a part of the menus of Radisson Hotel Group’s restaurants in India.

Eight winners from South-West Zone and twelve winners form North-East Zone showcased appetizing dishes like Tandoori Bhuna Chaap, Orange Miso Salmon, Murg Firdous, Pistachio Olive Cake under categories of Kebabs, Oriental, Indian and Plated Dessert respectively. Delicate taste and unique texture were central to the success of each of the dishes presented by the chefs. On the other hand, Cocktail champions Rohit Surve and Mahaveer Singh created exotic drinks for the judges and exhibited exceptional bartending skills.

Cook Off aims to tap into the talent pool, that already exists within the group and inspire them to become a part of the F&D revolution in the company. This event was amongst many new initiatives planned to uplift Food and Drinks (F&D) across the group’s India portfolio, where F&D is a key revenue grosser and a chief focus area.