The pandemic restrictions in no way came as a roadblock for the annual grand culinary competition hosted by IIHM. With great technological back up and the same spirit of the physical competition for over the years, the eighth International IIHM Young Chef Olympiad started off with a grand opening ceremony, hosted virtually over a Zoom call on January 30. Participants from over 40 countries belonging to different time zones, their mentors, around 200 chef judges and members of IIHM campuses across India connected together over Zoom call to participate in the opening ceremony of the culinary battle that commenced virtually on February 1.
The opening ceremony rituals of holding up the olympiad flame, singing the olympiad anthem and unveiling of the trophy were conducted seamlessly as participants in the call enjoyed the programme from the safety of their homes. The ceremony introduced the judges’ panel, participants and mentors to the guests. An entertainment performance by IIHM Calcutta students added more spirit to the show. Snapshots.
The IIHM YCO trophy for the best young chef was unveiled at the Calcutta campus by Suborno Bose (centre), chairman, Young Chef Olympiad, CEO of International Hospitality Council, UK, and chairman, International Institute of Hotel Management, in the presence of Sanjukta Bose, director, IIHM Calcutta, and directors of IIHM campuses across India. “The theme this year is the UN Sustainable Development Goals, the global goals that is much more important now. The global goals of United Nations are absolutely inspirational for all of us. So, we decided to make the global goals a theme for the eighth international IIHM Olympiad. Apart from cooking, this year we have inserted the culinary research based on the 17 SDGs as a part of the IIHM olympiad. It is not a cooking competition. It is a competition where we all come together to celebrate the spirit of the youth, to celebrate the spirit of bonding and global unity under one umbrella of the YCO. Pandemic was creating uncertainty all over the globe and we were never sure if we could do it (this year) but I am so excited to see today that over 45 countries will be contesting in the most historic, most iconic YCO that the world has ever seen. Something that can foster brotherhood, unity and build the bridges. Together we have done it. One of the important things is our commitment to the UN SDGs and we will be able to fulfil the goals for the world to survive. We are celebrating with the same vigour and today it has become a worldwide revolution,” said Suborno Bose.
A screenshot from the virtual opening ceremony that was attended by the esteemed judges, participants and IIHM students and staff members.
“This year, sadly, Covid has still a major impact on our lives... sadly, we have lost one or two countries. Talking from past experiences, we know that everybody is going to really enjoy the next five days. Everything is set up and organised and we are all ready to go. The only thing we haven’t been able to set up is our judges tasting the food that is being presented by our competitors. But we are well supported by chefs from each country who are coming in to do that job for us. Do your best and relax, just enjoy it. You know you are doing something you do well, therefore enjoy it,” said Ron Scott (extreme left on the first row), chief adjudicator.
David Foskett (third from left on the first row), chair of the International Hospitality Council and chairman of the jury, Young Chef Olympiad, said: “This competition is about uniting the world. Uniting the youth of the world in hospitality and culinary arts, in peace, in harmony, in understanding and sharing the knowledge. It is a celebration of youth and the next generation. There are many cookery competitions but what makes this so special is not only is it international but also takes up the issues of the world such as the sustainable goals, the theme for this year.”
Chef Ranveer Brar (second from the right on the last row), celebrity chef and YCO brand ambassador, said: “I think for everybody across the world this is a true celebration. This is a true celebration of people who believe in the magic of food not just to make people happy but to make the world a better place. And year on year, I do believe we are making the world a better place by bringing in like-minded people who have the right ideas and right thought.”
Chef Sanjeev Kapoor (extreme right on the last row), principal judge and mentor, Young Chef Olympiad, said: “The resolve is so strong that it will happen no matter. Last year it happened seamlessly and this year it became bigger with the technology. I am completely and truly amazed.”
Saurav Valentine Gomes from IIHM Calcutta, India’s representative at YCO this year, took the oath on behalf of all YCO participants. While the mentor from England Christopher Basten took the oath on behalf of mentors, chef John Wood took the oath on behalf of all the judges during the oath-taking ceremony.
A mesmerising welcome dance performance by IIHM students entertained and kept the guests glued to their screen during the virtual opening ceremony.
With all video cameras on and the their voice unmuted, the participants and other guests on the call sang the YCO anthem like every year. The Young Chef Olympiad flame reinforcing the unity of the culinary world was also displayed on screen during the call.
JUDGE’S SPEAK
“The much-anticipated 2022 YCO is back, which gives young international chefs the ability to showcase their skills while exchanging their culture and heritage along with judges and IIHM students. A great momentum under Covid-19 to stay motivated, informed and communicate on an international stage! How much better can it get... bravo!” said chef Andreas Muller, programme director (International Cuisine) International Culinary Institute of VTC Hong Kong and chief Judge YCO 2022.
“The Young Chef Olympiad is much more than a cooking competition. This is a platform to bring the world together as one. All involved are making friends that will last a lifetime and the legacy that it has left in the past eight years through thousands of people, is and will continue for many years to come. Being the team Scotland coach and mentor for many years has been a privilege and now to be a part of the judging team is a real honour and a career highlight,” said chef Gary Maclean, national chef of Scotland, executive chef of City of Glasgow College and senior judge YCO 2022.
“YCO is the best and biggest competition in the world for young chefs around the world, it brings the countries and people together. It is a platform for our hospitality industry to share our knowledge and creativity,” said George Smith, senior lecturer in TU Dublin University and senior judge, YCO 2022.
Pictures courtesy: IIH