EXCEPTIONAL VICTORY AT CHAINE DES ROTISSEURS

Kuala Lumpur, May 2010 – Chaine des Rotisseurs, an International gastronomic association, held its 20th annual competition at Berjaya Hotel School recently. The prestigious event is for chefs to gain International recognition. This year, Chef Adzlan Shafik Azmi from Le Méridien Kuala Lumpur emerged as the overall champion when he was awarded ‘Best Commis Rotisseur Malaysia 2010’ while Chef Tariq Iskandar Mohamed Salleh, also from the same hotel, won second prize.

The competition was divided into two stages. Participating chefs had to pass the first round of menu composition before they can battle it out with other chefs in the preparation of classic French themed 3 course meal for 4 persons. Six contestants were short listed from the 20 who participated in the preliminary round. The winner was chosen based on points awarded for knowledge, creativity, skill and taste.

In his endeavor to attain International recognition, this was Chef Adzlan’s seventh attempt to win the ‘Best Commis Rotisseur Malaysia’ title. The Demi Chef at Prime Restaurant, renowned for their premium steaks, said the will to succeed was what motivated him to join.

First time in the competition, Chef Tariq, a Commis at Favola, Le Méridien Kuala Lumpur’s Italian restaurant joined for the experience and did not expect to take home a prize.

Both Chef Adzlan and Chef Tariq were overwhelmed with joy over their win as they have been training for months and much sacrifice has been made. It was especially emotional for Chef Adzlan as this was his last chance to participate at 27, the age limit for the competition.

“It was exceptional that two contestants from the same hotel were short listed but for both to win the first and second prize, that is first in the history of Chaine des Rotisseurs,” says Chef Halim, Junior Sous Chef at Prime Restaurant.

The chefs credit their mentor, award-winning Executive Chef Antoine Rodriguez of Le Méridien Kuala Lumpur for their win with his passion for perfection and advice of never settling for second best. Chef Halim, also played a big part in monitoring their training schedule which continues past midnight.

When asked to advise other chefs wishing to participate in future competitions, both chefs pointed that it was important to always believe in oneself and be open to constructive criticism from those with more knowledge and experience.

Chef Adzlan will be representing Malaysia for the finals in Helsinki in September 2010, where he will be competing with chefs from all over the world.