Parkroyal Penang, Malaysia

The popular beachfront hotel in Penang was transformed into a battleground for several hundred chefs at the recent 10th Penang International Salon Gastronomique 2005 also known as the Battle of the Chefs which was held from 19th to 21st April 2005 at Parkroyal Penang. Two hundred and fifty chefs prepared mouth-watering dishes and transformed vegetables and fruits into works of art at the event

The exclusive event was organised by the Chefs' Association of Malaysia, Penang chapter, supported by Penang Tourism Action Council and Malaysia Association of Hoteliers' (MAH), Penang chapter, and also the World Association of Cooks Societies (WAC). The main sponsor for the competition was Nestle Food Services, and official venue sponsor was Parkroyal Penang. Supporting publications included Hospitality Asia and Cuisine & Wine Scene.

Organising Chairman Chef Andy Oh said that chefs flew in from more than 15 countries to participate in this year's event, and the competition was opened to hotels, restaurants, culinary institutions, catering organisations and individuals.

The competition categories included wedding cakes, confectionery, bread display, dessert platter display, butter sculpture, fruit & vegetable carving display, styrofoam carving display, buffet platter, team live cooking, live show competitions and a bartender's competition. 20 judges from Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand, Myanmar and Britain worked extremely hard to decide on the best creations. Chief Judge Marco Bruschweiler said that the overall standard in the competition had improved compared to previous years, and Parkroyal Penang did a marvellous job in playing host to the three-day event.

Parkroyal Penang team bagged all three top medals for the Bartender's Competition, defeating 15 other competitors in the competition. A job well-done for the team of bartenders! The resort's kitchen team also took home two silvers and eight bronze medals in the wedding cake, bread display, team live cooking and fruit & vegetable carving categories.

State Tourism Development and Environment Committee chairman YB Mr Teng Chang Yeow said that the beach was chosen as the venue to further promote the state's natural assets. "The event has drawn thousands of visitors to our shores, and the three-day competition was poised to reinforce Penang's position as a food paradise," he told the press at the closing dinner.

Also present to give away the prizes were Penang Chief Minister YAB Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon and Deputy Internal Security Minister Chia Kwang Chye who is also the honorary adviser for the Chefs' Association of Malaysia, Penang Chapter. Seen at the dinner were hotel General Manager Mark Losi, public relations manager Karen Chee who was also the Salon PR, food & beverage manager Ivan Chin, rooms division manager Daljit Singh Gill and human resources manager Abdul Halik Ibrahim.