Chefs Guild launches pastry competiton

by Rohana Jayalal

The Anchor Pastry Challenge 2015 organised by the Chefs Guild of Lanka and Fonterra Brands Lanka (Pvt) Ltd was launched at the Eden Resort and Spa in Beruwala recently.

The competition will be held in six regions.

The Chefs Guild of Lanka invites pastry chefs around the country to take part.

Guild President Gerard Mendis said, “This is a different kind of event altogether and since its inception in 2005, we haven’t held any high profile events until today."

A feature about this year’s event is that chefs in the field of baking and pastries receive the chance to produce a creation using any three Fonterra ingredients.

"We are in the process of bringing together chefs into six main regions; Beruwala, Kandy, Negombo, Galle, Habarana and Colombo.

Each of these regions will hold a competition comprising of one chef representing one hotel and the finalists will compete at the ‘Culinary Art Food Expo’ which will be held in July this year, at the BMICH," he said.

"The overall winner will receive the opportunity to take part at the Asia Pastry Cup in Singapore during the ‘Food and Hotel Asia’ event. Events of this nature are essential to provide Sri Lankan chefs with the chance to acquire exposure, face challenges and gain confidence," Mendis said.

The competition is held under two categories - dessert and cake making. Judging criteria will be based on the analysis of hygiene during preparation, proper methods and creativity.

Chefs Guild Board Member, Chef Madhawa Weerabaddana said, “Even though the events will take place in areas down south and Colombo, there is focus on attracting pastry chefs from the Eastern parts of the country.”

Fonterra Brands Lanka has partnered with the Chefs Guild in contributing to the country’s food industry. Fonterra Brands Lanka Head of Food Services, Kumar de Silva said, “Our aim is to not only supply ingredients to hotels and restaurants around the country but to also provide solutions and form a causative basis to culinary experts in our country.”