Chennai’s celebrated Veggie carver made India proud at the International Culinary Olympics 2016
India won the Bronze and a Diploma at the International Culinary Olympic 2016 which recently concluded at Erfurt, Germany. Chef Umasankar Dhanapal and Master Yeshwanth Kumar who represented India at individual category made the country proud with their wins. South India Culinary Association today honored both the winners at the event held at Hotel Savera. Both the participants challenged more than 2000 chefs from over 50 different countries. Among the 7000 fresh menus, which turned the exhibition hall into the largest restaurant in the world, Umasankar’s work applauded with Bronze medal and Yashwant’s with a Diploma by the jury comprising 5 judges from 5 different countries.
Once upon a time, Culinary Artistry was considered to be the royal element of the kitchen. No luxury buffet spread without sugar, chocolate, vegetable and fruit sculptures. But, over a period of time this brilliant art started losing its attractions and went unnoticed. Fortunately, the art has emerged once again from its state of disuse because of various initiative across the globe. Of many initiatives to revive the art ‘International Culinary Olympic’ is internationally acclaimed and recognized played its role perfectly.
Commenting on the award Chef Umasankar said that “I am very much enthused when the Jury announced the Bronze winner under Fruit and Vegetable category. Winning Bronze is a good achievement because the others who participated were Jambawans in vegetable carving. I am working towards Gold at 2020 Olympics and confident that I will win. He also added that Food Styling is one of the emerging profession in the modern world and India has many potential talents. We need to identify them and train them to bring out their skills.”
Master Yeshwanth Kumar said that “I am the youngest ever participant internationally in the 100 years of International Culinary Olympics. At this young Thirteen years of age I got opportunities to meet and interact with the industry leaders from across the globe. My work was greatly appreciated by the judges and the fellow participant Chefs at the event. It gives me confident and I will be at limelight during 2020 International Culinary Olympics.”
Felicitating the winners Chef Seetharam Prasad, General Decretary, SICA said, International Culinary Olympics is a well acclaimed one internationally. It is one of the most prestigious and recognized initiative in culinary industry and winning award is a great achievements. This year was more special as India was represented by two participants than the one in the year 2012. We will identify more talents before 2020 Olympics and train them to win more awards.”
Chef Jugesh Arora, President, SICA said that “Awards always help in bringing out young talent, and IKA is a right platform to appreciate the talents. We are happy to be part of 2016 International Culinary Olympics. I congratulate all the winners and appreciate the contestants for their efforts to win the award.”
