Gourmet Delights Galore: Expert PU College Hosts ‘Expert Master Chef’ Extravaganza
Mangalore, October 15, 2023: Expert PU College, Valachil, showcased culinary prowess in a dazzling display of talent during the “Expert Master Chef” contest, held at the Sigma auditorium in collaboration with Spices and Chefs, a unit of Spade Integrated Services Pvt. Ltd. The event, commemorating World Food Day, drew 550 students for the preliminary round.
The final showdown featured 14 groups, each comprising three students and one parent. Their task? To craft a sumptuous spread of five delectable dishes, including starters, main courses, and desserts, all within a challenging 120-minute time frame and under the keen scrutiny of discerning judges. The resulting gastronomic creations spanned the culinary map from the flavors of Kashmir to the southern shores of Kanyakumari.
Distinguished guests lent their expertise to the event, with Prof. P. Valsaraj, Associate Professor from the Welcome-group Graduate School of Hotel Administration at MAHE, Manipal, inaugurating the contest with the traditional art of tempering spices, known as ‘tadka’.
Addressing the gathering, Prof. Valsaraj emphasized, “This event celebrates and preserves the rich tapestry of Indian cuisine. It’s crucial that we document and pass down this culinary legacy to future generations. Initiating this master chef competition at this age is especially meaningful.”
Chairman of Expert group of institutions, Prof. Narendra L Nayak, emphasized the universal importance of culinary skills, stating, “Regardless of the career path children choose, cooking is an essential skill that can greatly enhance their chances of success in life.”
Dr. Ushaprabha N Nayak, Vice Chairperson, echoed the sentiment, affirming that among all artistic skills, cooking holds a universal appeal and paramount significance.
Ustad Rafique Khan, trustee of Expert College, was the guest of honor. The judging panel featured esteemed Chef Komal Prabhu from CKK, the kitchen of Maharaja Family Restaurant, Mangalore, along with Colin Hungrymen and Adesh Shetty from Asia Patio. Co-judges Deeraj B Udyavar, Suchitra S. Shenoy, and Arathi Deeraj also contributed their expertise.
Team SESAMUM emerged as the victorious Master Chef Contest 2023 winners, comprising Rylan Shawn Noronha, Samarth Jagadeesh, and Chaitanya T Patil from the D1 batch, along with Ramya Dayanandan, a parent hailing from Bangalore. Team LINUM secured the first runner-up position, with members Tathwashi D A, Nidhi Virupaksha, Anagha K A from the E1 batch, and parent Ashwini B R from Chikkamagaluru. The second runner-up, Team QUINOA, boasted members Manognya P Gowda, Prerana Srinivas, and Raghavi Gowda A H from the C1 batch, accompanied by parent Latha H L from Hassan.
Architect Deepika A Nayak, Dr. N K Vijayan Karippal, Principal of Expert PU College, Valachil, Ashwin Pais, Director of Spices and Chefs, Rajesh E T, Unit head at Spices and Chefs, and Deepa Shetty, Head of the Library Department, serving as the Programme Director were present.
Faculty members Anitha P Shetty welcomed the gathering and Nishatt Fathima compered the program.
