A stage for rising expertise
At Salon du Chocolat et de la Pâtisserie Dubai, the Cheesecake Competitors provided an area for younger pastry cooks to share their interpretation of a basic dessert. Sponsored by Elle & Vire Professionnel in collaboration with Norohy, the occasion introduced collectively rising abilities from throughout the UAE, every presenting their very own perspective on what a recent cheesecake might be.
Members represented lodges, cafes, eating places {and professional} kitchens, contributing a assorted set of methods and inspirations. Their creations balanced taste, texture, precision and narrative, with every dessert reflecting the chef’s private method and identification.
The place high quality substances meet creativeness
This yr’s competitors highlighted a choice of substances from Elle & Vire and Norohy that formed the cooks’ creations. Contestants labored with Elle & Vire Professionnel, identified for its Normandy-sourced dairy merchandise used each day in pastry manufacturing. The vary featured throughout the competitors included Unique American cream cheese, Excellence whipping cream and quite a lot of butters tailored to skilled wants.
Norohy, targeted on vanilla, equipped cooks with beans and extracts sourced from distinctive origins, together with Tahitian and Madagascan varieties. The model additionally affords floral waters similar to natural rose water and orange blossom water, in addition to a concentrated espresso bean paste, giving cooks further fragrant instruments to construct layered taste profiles.
These substances allowed cooks to discover clean textures, balanced buildings and fragrant depth throughout a variety of interpretations. From fruit-led mixtures to chocolate notes and floral nuances, every dessert demonstrated how considerate ingredient choice can information creativity.
Highlight on the jury members
The competitors was judged by a panel of business professionals, whose assorted expertise provided a balanced view of method and creativity. Right here’s a take a look at the jury members:
Bernard Charles
Bernard Charles has spent greater than 20 years working throughout pastry and culinary manufacturing. He started his profession in lodge kitchens, holding pastry roles in Dubai, Barbados and different locations. He joined Bateel in 2007, contributing to the opening of the model’s first cafe and later supporting the rollout of greater than 30 retailers. As we speak, he’s Bateel’s culinary director for dates and confectionery, overseeing manufacturing traces and main a workforce of over 100 workers.
Paul Hayward
Paul Hayward is a British chef with three many years of expertise in pastry and culinary improvement. Educated by grasp pastry cooks from France, Germany and Switzerland, he has held positions in five-star lodges in London, Florida, the Bahamas and Dubai. In 2019, he established Ph by Design, a Dubai-based consultancy by means of which he develops ideas, helps restaurant launches and advises on kitchen design. His work spans each pastry and savory, with a deal with coaching, workshops and culinary improvement.
Karim Bourgi
Karim Bourgi, Elle & Vire model ambassador, has constructed his profession between Paris, Beirut and Dubai. Born in Senegal to Lebanese mother and father, he educated at Le Cordon Bleu Paris earlier than beginning out at La Cigale in Beirut. He then joined Ladurée on the Champs-Élysées and later Fauchon in Dubai. Along with his collaborations with world manufacturers, he based Kayu Bakehouse, an idea centered on trendy luxurious pâtisserie.
Celebrating the winners
Three cooks stood out for his or her creativity, precision and general stability. Their cheesecakes had been famous by the judges for his or her stable method, clear flavors and well-defined ideas:
- Amila Ian Monarawilla — Pullman Deira Metropolis Centre
- Krisha Mae Gonzales — Orto Café
- Kafil Beg — Emirates Flight Catering (EKFC)
A celebration of style and fervour
The competitors showcased the UAE’s pastry expertise and the abilities of younger cooks. It additionally gave Elle & Vire Professionnel and Norohy the prospect to as soon as once more underline their dedication to supporting this new era — encouraging creativity, sharing experience and recognizing excellence.
