Kuala Lumpur: MICA’s ‘Black Box’
Culinary Challenge held today in conjunction with the MICA YOUNG CHEF TALENT
SEARCH 2018 was a hit with budding young chefs of different races from all over
the country. More than 50 young hopefuls turned up for a chance to win the
Gold, Silver and Bronze placing as well as to impress the judges made up of Celebrity
Chefs, Executive Chefs, Presidents of Chefs Association in Malaysia and
Culinary Experts in the industry. MICA is the abbreviation for Malaysian Indian
Chefs Association, led by President Chef Ricky Narayanan and his committee team
member who brings with him more than 20 years of experience in the culinary
industry.
“We are happy to have so
many sponsors who have come together to make this event a success. Worthy mentions
include Dr. Steven Baptist, Principle Sri Bestari Private School who graciously
agreed to provide the venue for the event,” said Chef Ricky. Winners received
medals, certificates as well as numerous hampers & goodies from MICA and
also our sponsors.
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| From Left Chef Alex Gan, Chef Rizwandy Perin, Chef Shanmugam Rajoo, Celebritiy Chef Sabri Hasan and Chef Naim Hasnan |
The event was attended by
more than 250 visitors who enjoyed cooking demonstrations by Chef Alex Gan
(Kewpie Development Chef), as well ADABI food truck as food tasting sessions
throughout the event, added by DSN Coconut Oil Product food testing and
demonstration. Also gracing the event were MICA Ambassadors, Ms Prashna Dewi
(Miss Indian Cultural Malaysia 2017) and Mrs Priyah Appnah (Mrs Indian Cultural
Malaysia 2017). Master Chef Celebrity, Chef Sabri Hassan made a special
appearance for the event to give support, encouragement and mentorship advices
to all the young chef who competed in the MICA black box culinary Challenge
2018. The Chief Judge for this event, the President of Chefs Association of
Malaysia 2016 Chef Khairuddin Bin Kamaruddin added it’s a great cooking
competition organize by MICA for all community young chefs in Malaysia.
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| Kelvin Gar Kar Wai with His Gold Medal with Distinction Award with panel of judges from Left Chef Shanmugam Rajoo, Chef Bonnie Lopez, Celebrity Chef Sabri Hassan, Kelvin with his protege, Chef Ricky Narayanan |
After a crucial cookout
session, Kelvin Gan Kar Wai, aged 20, was declared the Gold Winner with his
winning dish of Rolled Fillet of Sea Bass on the bed of U.S Potato Dauphinoise
and Roasted Cajun Spiced Vegetables with Kewpie Sesame Sauce. “I am truly
overjoyed with this win! I never expected to land the Gold placing as the
competition was a tough one. Many other young chefs here came up with
interesting dishes and I am glad that mine was up to the expectation of the
judges,” said a teary-eyed Kelvin Gar Kar Wai.
“I dedicate my win to both
my parents for their great support and motivation. I hope to achieve greater heights
in my career,” added Kelvin who cites his idol and mentor Chef Shanmugam Rajoo
@ Chef Shan who coached him to this high stage.
There are 5 gold, 5 silver,
11 Bronze medal winners overall topped with 8 Diploma award being grabbed by
the MICA Black Box Culinary Challenge 2018 competitors. Congratulations to all
competitors for your great hardwork from MICA organizing committees and special
thanks to all the panel of judges.
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| From Left Chef Bonnie Lopez, Chef Shafique Taufik, Chef Shanmugam Rajoo with Miss & Mrs Indian Cultural Malaysia 2017 Queen Ms.Prashna Devi & Mrs Priyah Appnah, Chef Ricky Narayanan, Chef Jason Manson and Chef |
Representative from the
sponsors for the event, Dato’ Sasitharan Narayanan who was the official cooking
oil sponsor (DSN Coconut Oil) for the event said that he was proud to be a part
of the team in making the competition a success as it is a good avenue to
unearth raw talent as well as to give a boost to the budding chefs in the
industry. Puan Liza & Chef Syed Azhar from ADABI Trading House added that
“Competitions like these are a great place to meet the younger generation of
chefs as well as to look out for new trends in the food & beverage
industry,” he said. “MICA has done an excellent job in getting the ball rolling
and we hope to collaborate more with them in the future with more culinary
activities and events,” he added.
Mr. Banner is MICA’s
official printing sponsors and supported by Chakra Catering the official
caterers for this event. The other sponsors of the event are Kewpie, U.S
Potatoes Board, Simplot Malaysia, My amma Samayal, Nourish! Magazine, New World
Hotel, Nona Malaysia, Giant Caterers, Cooking With Love Chefs, Moses Maritime,
Bonica, and DKSH.
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| From Left Dr. Parameswaran Subramanian, Dean, FOBA at Linton University College receiving an appreciation plaque from Dr. Steven Baptist, Principle of Sri Bestari Private School, PJ |
MICA associates and
collaborated with Chefs Association of Malaysia 2016, Melaka Chef Club, Kuching
Chef Association, Aregala Malaysia, Aregala Turkiye, Korea Association of
Master Chefs, Asochefs Nicaragua and amongst other academic sponsors, namely
Linton University College, Segi University, CQ
Breyer Group of Colleges and Management Science University (MSU).
For details on how to be a
MICA member and for updates on their coming activities, please call Chef Ricky
on 0111-5325708 or Chef Shan on 012-6623559. You can also get the updates on
the MICA Facebook and Instagram page too.
-END-
For media enquiries, please contact :
Chef Ricky Narayanan
President & Founder
Malaysian Indian Chefs Association
Tel : 0111-5325708
Email : rickyprochef8@gmail.com
Chef Shanmugam Rajoo
Advisor
Malaysian Indian Chefs Association
Tel : 012-6623559
Email: shanrooban@gmail.com
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