Priya Darshani
By JYOTI PRATIBHA
The Fiji Chefs team came back victorious after a week-long competition in Perth, Australia.
The team returned after securing a place for the world finals in Norway.
Outrigger on the Lagoon executive chef Shailesh Naidu thanked the team and their supporters for being a pillar of strength for Team Fiji.
The team of 2012 Pastry Chef of the Year Kelera Nalewaba of Fiji Beach Resort and Spa (managed by Hilton); 2012 Junior Chef of the Year Abhinesh Sharma of Sheraton Fiji Resort; 2012 Fiji Chef of the Year Priya Darshani of Outrigger on the Lagoon, managed by Chef Naidu is now gearing for the world finals
Chef Naidu, who is also the President of Fiji Chefs Association, was happy with the performance of his team.
Chef Avinesh Sharma from Sheraton Fiji Resort won his category of Global Young Chefs Challenge, beating favourites flying New Zealand and Aussies to represent the Pacific Rim continent in the World Finals.
Chef Sharma will be competing against winners of six other continents in Stavanger, Norway 2014.
This will be held during the World Associations of Chefs Societies (WACS) Chefs Congress which represents over 93 countries from around the globe.
Winners:
n Global Chefs Challenge- winner Australia, 2nd New Zealand, 3rd Fiji (chef Priya Darshani- Outrigger)
n Global Pastry Chefs Challenge- winner New Zealand, 2nd Australia, 3rd Fiji (chef Kelera Nalewabau- Hilton)
n Global Young Chefs Challenge- winner Fiji (chef Avinesh Sharma- Sheraton), 2nd New Zealand, 3rd Australia
“Pacific Oz-tralasia sponsored this team and was ably funded by Fiji Chefs Association. The team also had strong backing from the Sheraton Fiji Resort; Fiji Beach Resort & Spa (managed by Hilton); Outrigger on the Lagoon ∙ Fiji and APTC,” Chef Naidu said.
“ A hearty thanks to each and every one of you behind the team to make this happen. We couldn’t have done this without all your support. We are now stepping into the world stage to compete and proud to say that Fiji flag will be flying high among the top seven countries in the world cuisine.
“As now we start to plan /prepare for the big one; I will again need your help and support to see our champion chef Avinesh off to Europe.”