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Chefs in celebration
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Acclaimed chefs from the city have attained the prestigious accreditation from WACS
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Pacing around the kitchen in their white uniforms, shouting instructions, adding a little masala here and there and coming up with new or improved recipes every now and then — this is how we imagine most chefs to be. But how many of us have heard of chefs writing tests that too when at the peak of their career? A few acclaimed chefs have done just that and attained international accreditation from WACS.
Chef Soundararajan, Corporate Executive Chef, Mahindra Holidays and Resorts, Chef Natarajan. K, Corporate Executive Chef, Taj Leisure Hotels, Chef V. Vijaybhaskaran, Executive Chef, Le Meridien, Bangalore, Sheetharam Prasad, Executive Chef, GRT Grand Hotels, Chennai, Elango. R, Executive Chef, Radisson GRT, Chennai, Debraj Bhaumik, Executive Chef, Club Mahindra, Goa, and Rajesh Radhakrishnan, Executive Chef, The Park, Chennai are the first ever chefs from India to get international accreditation from the prestigious WACS (World Association of Chef’s Societies), which is a global network of chefs’ associations.
At a press conference the accredited chefs spoke about the importance of the accreditation. Chef Soundararajan says, “One has to apply online and the applications are scrutinised by the American Culinary Federation. Only if you score more than 75 per cent are you eligible.” The assessed competencies check for sanitation, applied nutrition, cooking methodology and supervisory development apart from education and experience requirements which include having completed secondary education and having at least 10 years experience as a chef.
The participant will have to answer 240 questions in around two hours. If they successfully clear the test they can enjoy global recognition and better job opportunities. “There is a big demand for well-trained chefs but there is a dearth of such chefs. Courses and exams like these will help improve standards,” says Chef Prasad. The only chef who got the accreditation without having to write the test is Chef Soundararajan. That is because he is a part of the WACS Global Education Committee and has provided 2000 questions and answers for the question bank. Talking about the accreditation Chef Elango says, “We have an edge over the others as we were the first few to get it, that too out of 5,000 people.” According to Chef Rajesh this test helps maintain a common standard.
With that the men in white go back to posing with their certificates, resembling a bunch of excited graduates on graduation day.
PRIYADARSHINI PAITANDY
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