Chef Devwrat Jategaonkar executive chef, Radisson Blu, Resort and Spa, Alibaug won a silver medal at the International Culinary Olympics 2012 held in Germany. Working tirelessly for two months, Jategaonkar created a 3ft x 3ft x 3ft margarine sculpture. Carrying this huge yet delicate sculpture in one piece, all the way from India to Germany was a challenge itself. He, however, was richly awarded with a silver medal in the ‘culinary artistry’ category for his butter sculpture ‘Oh Cinderella’.
The International Culinary Olympics has been held once in four years since the last 25 years. It is organised by the World Association of Cooks Societies in collaboration with German Chef’s Association and is said to be the world’s largest culinary competition. It was held in Erfurt, Germany, between 5 and 10 October, 2012 and brought together more than 2000 chefs from 75 countries. Jategaonkar said, “It’s great to be the first Indian to receive this prestigious award. In such events, generally all the participants are sponsored by their respective governments. If India also encourages its chefs by sponsoring their participation, it will definitely help [Indian chefs and our industry gain international recognition].”
Vinay Phadnis, CMD, Phadnis Group, that owns the Radisson Blu, Resort and Spa, Alibaug said, “India entered the culinary Olympics for the first time and we have bagged the first medal too. India has a lot of potential in the culinary world and more chefs should be encouraged to participate.”
