#TasteAwards2015: Nairobi’s top chefs compete for Chef of the Year title

(from Left) Chefs Roy Kinyua, Joseph Anusu, Antoin Gasnier, Doxis Bakris, and Mohsine Korich

Five of Kenya’s award-winning chefs battled it out in an extremely tough contest for the Chef of the Year award under Taste Awards 2015’s Prestige Category on Tuesday at the Fairview Hotel, Nairobi.

For the first time  in Kenya, all five leading chefs competed in the same kitchen under the same conditions: a timed contest of 90 minutes, each chef was given a mystery box of three Morendat steak cuts, and a basket of Mlango Farm produce and an assortment of essentials and ingredients. Designed to test their skill and creativity in a high-pressure context, the chefs were required to produce two unique dishes incorporating these ingredients.

The short-listing of nominated chefs was conducted through the audited Taste the Best Workshop that included a selection of esteemed panelists, and experienced judges. Finalists included:
1. Joseph Anusu, Tamarind
2. Mohsine Korich, Fairview Hotel
3. Roy Kinyua, Nairobi Serena
4. Doxis Berkris, Fairmont, Norfolk
5. Anton Gasnier, DusitD2

Judges for Taste Chef of the Year award comprised of professionals who have an expertise in the culinary industry as well as personalities of note: Head Judge was Jeff Baker, Michelin starred Executive Chef Capital Club East Africa; Paul Nagelkerken, General Operations Manager Nestle Professional; Susan Wong, Editor Capital Lifestyle; and Eric Wainaina, Brand Ambassador Nederburg.

The judges conducted their taste evaluations in a blind tasting, pitting our chefs up against each other in a nail-biting finale. Evaluations were conducted based on the international AAA Five Diamond Rating Standard. The Winner of Chef of the Year Award will be announced on Monday, August 31st at the gala evening at the dusitD2 Hotel.

 

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