By Judith Kajuma
Zimbabwe Chefs Association held its 24th culinary competition at LongChen Plaza at the weekend which will see the winners taking part in the Nelson Mandela Cup to be held in Nigeria later this year.
The annual event attracted participants from hotels, tertiary institutions and schools which include Rainbow Towers Harare, Legacy Monomotapa Harare, Meikles hotel, Cresta, Vic falls, Regency, Montclair, Holiday Inn Harare, Manna Resort, Life Haven, SCHTO, Harare Poly, Mutare Poly, One Accord, Culinary Arts, Cut Hotel and Hatcliffe High School.
In an interview with the Diplomat, Zimbabwe Chefs Association (ZCA) President Chef Gonzo said the event which started small in its formative years is growing each year. He also added that the event presents a network platform and opportunities to learn from others.
“This is a very important occasion that offers chefs an opportunity to network and provides an opportunity to look at the modern trends on how people are cooking in other parts of the world in terms of the nutrition, what products used to be popular and what products are we dropping out of our culinary fusions, and the competition does not end here, the winners from this competition will participate in the Nelson Mandela Cup to be held in Nigeria in August this year,” Chef Gonzo said.
Chef Gonzo added that after discovering that the industry needs the young generation, they came up with a category for students.
“Previous years we were not involving students from the culinary institutions but we then discovered that we were not developing and empowering the youngsters to take over after us. We have now created a category for them.
Secretary General for the Association Chef Masocha said they are working hard to promote culinary tourism, “As an Association we have partnered with the ZTA and the Ministry of Tourism in promoting culinary tourism, we have diverse cuisines to offer tourist when they go to different parts of Zimbabwe, “said Chef Masocha.
Group Executive Chef of Legacy Hotels and Resorts Zimbabwe, Lawrence Catherine, described the completion as a good initiative that also promotes culinary profession among youngsters in Zimbabwe.
“My advice to upcoming student chefs, you need patience, discipline and education, you don’t take anything for granted there is always a better way to do things. You must go in there saying you are good but you must come out everyday saying you are better,” Chef Catherine said.
Among the winners was 24-year-old Chef Francis Mugure from Legacy Monomotapa who scooped the 1st prize. Chef Francis urged man to join the profession and not be discouraged by those who think that cooking is for women, it is a profession that will take you places.
