Parkroyal Penang, Malaysia

19 April 2007 - The culinary team from the Parkroyal Penang bagged seven medals in the Battle of the Chefs Competition 2007 (11th Penang International Salon Gastronomique). A job well-done to the team of chefs! The chefs took home three silvers and four bronze medals in the western live cooking - seafood and meat/poultry, apprentice level for the western live cooking, fruit & vegetable carving and ice carving categories.

The Batu Ferringhi Beach vicinity of Penang was transformed into a battleground for several hundred chefs at the recent 11th Penang International Salon Gastronomique 2007 also known as the Battle of the Chefs which was held from 17 to 19 April 2007. Hundreds of international 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.

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. Judges from Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand, Myanmar, The Netherlands and England 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.

Penang 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 said.