Goemkarponn desk
PANAJI: On the occasion of International Chef’s Day, culinary enthusiasts from across the state came together to display their gastronomical finesse in a cooking competition organized by V.M. Salgaocar Institute of International Hospitality Education (VMSIIHE). The objective of the event was to highlight the importance of healthy eating without compromising on taste. Following the theme “Wrap and Roll”, participants put together healthy combinations to make the most lip-smacking rolls.
The event was judged by award-winning Chef, Avinash Martins and VMSIIHE faculty – Professor of Culinary Arts Chef Sebastian Breitinger, and Assistant Professor of Food Production, Chef Sandip Madkaikar. The recipes were evaluated based on the participant’s plan of work and preparation, cooking techniques, cleanliness at the workstation, creativity, originality, and overall presentation.
Right from the core ingredients to the equipment, everything was provided by the VMSIIHE institute, and the students had to use their knowledge and skill to create something impeccable which they succeeded in. A plethora of interesting recipes were brought to light by aspiring chefs.
Students of grade 12 from various Higher Secondary institutions in Goa participated in the cook-off held at the VMSIIHE campus. With more than 20 young and driven chefs all battling the clock to put together a memorable delicacy, the rush, and thrill at the venue were evident. First place went to Sakshi Sangam Borkar from Vidya Vikas Academy, Margao followed by second place which was won by Joyson Jelly from St. Theresa’s Higher Secondary School, Candolim. With an array of outstanding dishes, the third place was shared by Saee Karmarkar of Sharada Mandir Higher Secondary School, Panaji and Rani Rajendra Phadte of Vassant V.S Kukalekar Higher Secondary School, Old Goa. The winning dish was a “Peri Peri Farm wrap” by Sakshi, a true explosion of flavors on the palette.
When asked about her experience, the well-deserving winner Sakshi said, “More than winning the competition, I am wholeheartedly grateful for the opportunity and the experience I was able to have. Working in a professional kitchen to present to a renowned Chef like Avinash Martins has been great! The student Chefs as well as the judges were very kind and helpful. There were constant words of encouragement shared and I am glad that my dish was able to strike a chord with the judges.”
Chef Avinash Martins was felicitated at the event for his passion for Goan cuisine and his contribution to Goan gastronomy. He shares, “I am honored to have received such a commendation from the academy. It’s always a delight visiting the VMSIIHE campus and meeting all these aspiring chefs who are so eager to learn more about the world of food. It is great to see such a large turnout and to have tasted all these phenomenal recipes put together by the next generation of talented cuisiniers. Competitions at this level not only provide a platform for kids interested in cooking but also expose some food enthusiasts to their true culinary potential. This is truly a great initiative by VMSIIHE.”