HYATT’S THE GOOD TASTE SERIES ANNOUNCES WINNERS

Regional semi-final of Hyatt’s culinary competition concludes at Andaz Delhi

Hyatt recently concluded the Regional semi-final of the third edition of its annual culinary competition, The Good Taste Series – India at Andaz Delhi. The Good Taste Series, an annual competition since 2017, is a testament to Hyatt Hotels & Resorts’ commitment to excellence and creativity in food and beverage. The competition which is held globally cultivates emerging culinary talent at Hyatt hotels around the world and celebrates cultural diversity.

The 2019 India edition saw 21 participants from across Hyatt hotels In India; spend two insightful days celebrating Hyatt’s food philosophy - “Food-Thoughtfully Sourced. Carefully Served”. The participants had to prepare signature recipes using the unique ingredients presented to them in the mystery box.

At the recently concluded regional area finals held at Andaz Delhi , Chef Satya from Park Hyatt Hyderabad, Chef Balaji Baskaran from Park Hyatt Chennai and Chef Balpreet from Andaz Delhi were adjudged winners who will now represent India in the next round at Vienna in November 2019. At the Vienna competition, three chefs will be selected to face off with six other Hyatt chefs in the global final – which will be held in the Middle East in March 2020.

The India edition was judged by an eminent panel comprising of Chef Manish Mehrotra, Marryam Reshii, Sourish Bhattacharya, Chef Anahita Dhondy, Chef Radhika Khandelwal, Sneh Yadav, Rupali Dean, Rajyasree Sen, Chef Warren Pearson from Grand Hyatt Gurgaon and Andaz Delhi’s Chef Vikram Ganpule. The Good Taste Series provides everyone from line cooks to executive sous chefs with an opportunity to showcase and demonstrate their culinary flair.

As a global hospitality company which believes in caring for people so they can be their best, Hyatt aims to develop and recognize ingénue chefs through this initiative to stimulate their creativity and drive to learn. Understanding that guests value holistic experiences that go far beyond luxurious accommodation, Hyatt is cultivating emerging culinary talent on a global platform to ensure we focus on excellence and creativity in its food and beverage offerings.

Park Hyatt Chennai hosts the fifth edition of Hyatt Culinary Challenge

Park Hyatt Chennai hosts the fifth edition of Hyatt Culinary Challenge
A unique initiative by Hyatt Hotels in India

To emphasize Hyatt’s focus on its rich culinary heritage, Hyatt Hotels in India hosted the fifth season of ‘Hyatt Culinary Challenge-people cooking for people’ during the last weekend of October across 14 cities.

Hyatt Culinary Challenge was conceptualized as a unique event that will bring together individuals from the corporate realm on a common platform where they could showcase their culinary expertise and passion for food in an interactive culinary event. Each participant was paired with a child participant from Prayag Charitable Trust NGO to create a participant choice recipe to be adjudged by a panel of distinguished judges from the culinary sphere.

Speaking on the occasion, Harleen Mehta, VP, Sales Operations, Hyatt India said, “Hyatt hotels around the world are recognized for their innovation, creativity and strong focus on Food and Beverage.  The objective behind running the Hyatt Culinary Challenge was to give a wider audience across India the opportunity to engage with Hyatt as a brand by participating in ‘people cooking for people’.  The overwhelming response that we have witnessed across the cities, over the past years, has been truly encouraging and we look forward to another wonderful edition.”

“We were thrilled to host the fifth edition of Hyatt Culinary Challenge and savoured some unique and exquisite dishes prepared by the wonderful participants”, says, Mr. Vishal Mehra, General Manager, Park Hyatt Chennai.

Mr. Tarun Seth, General Manager, Hyatt Regency Chennai, said “The participants from both Park Hyatt Chennai and Hyatt Regency Chennai cooked with dedication and put in a lot of effort for this event. It was indeed great to witness such enthusiasm.”

The preliminary runners up and winners at each city were awarded a stay at various Hyatt Hotels across India and the winner has been invited to participate in the Grand Finale at Park Hyatt Hyderabad on 2^nd December 2018. The winner from the finale will win 3 nights and 4 days with airfare for two at Hyatt Centric Times Square, New York. There’s something for the runner-up as well, 3 nights and 4 days with airfare for two at Hyatt Centric, Candolim Goa.

At Park Hyatt Chennai the participants created a myriad of family style recipes ranging from Forest Salty-Sweety Chicken with Seasonal fruits toroyal traditional dish from the palaces of Rajasthan, Dal Bati Churma and the delectable Kerala Toddy Shop Crab Roast. It was truly an indulgent experience and Mr. Michel Banderly who prepared Coquilles a'l'ancienne was adjudged winner and will represent Chennai in the finale.

Follow the latest updates on #CookWithHyatt

Dishes prepared by Participants 

·         Rachid Sahli - Forest Salty-Sweety Chicken with Seasonal Fruits

·         Arti Bagdy – Dal Bati Churma ( runners up)

·         Karin Stoll - Käspätzle (Spätzle/Homemade Pasta with Cheese)

·         Shamil Bicha - Kallu Shop Crab Roast (Kerala Toddy Shop Crab Roast)

·         D. Manohar Devadoss - Madurai Kodhu Chicken

·         Manikandan Thangarathinam - Country Fish Curry

·         Michel Banderly - Coquilles a'l'ancienne ( winner)

·         Vicky Menon – Allepey Fish Curry and Rice

About Park Hyatt Chennai - Park Hyatt Chennai is the 30th hotel in the global collection of Park Hyatt and features 201 luxurious guestrooms, including 20 indulgent suites, all thoughtfully designed to create an inviting environment and contribute to the understated sophistication of the hotel. The hotel embraces the serenity of the surrounding Guindy National Park with the elegant and chic interiors creating a unique, luxuriant and calming ambience. The theatrical dining destination, spanning over seven levels of culinary delights, The Flying Elephant, has already won the heart of the city. From The Dining Room, the all-day dining restaurant authentic South Indian cuisine and our signature Western fare is plated. The Apartment, has since housed many experiential meetings & events, within its unique residential style banqueting spaces. Antahpura Spa offers indulgent treatment rooms and spacious wet areas interwoven with custom-made services enabling you to delve deep within your inner sanctum.

Recent Accolades

2018 Best Hotel Spa – Antahpura Spa  – FHRAI – The Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Associations of India

2018 Best Bar Food - The Flying Elephant – India Nightlife Convention and Awards

2018 Best Bar For Wines - The Flying Elephant – India Nightlife Convention and Awards

2018 Best Bar In A Hotel - The Flying Elephant – India Nightlife Convention and Awards

2018 Best Ambience - The Flying Elephant - Travel+Leisure India Delicious Food Awards

2018 Best Hotel Spa - Metro - Antahpura Spa - Indian Salon and Wellness Awards

2018 Best Global Premium Dine -The Flying Elephant - Times  Food Awards

2017 Best Luxury Spa(Hotel) - Antahpura Spa - GeoSpa AsiaSpa India Awards

2017 Best Luxury Business Hotel -  Travel+Leisure India Best Awards