Successful INFOChef Free State 2023

SA Chefs, through its Free State Regional Committee, hosted a very successful INFOChef Free State, which made its return after 25 years at the beautiful Windmill Casino in Bloemfontein.

Over 300 people attended and participated in various events, activities, and talks which were presented by the local culinary schools, industry leaders, chefs, and suppliers. A special highlight was a visit from Chef Donald and his team from the Lesotho Chefs Academy.

The event was also well supported by SA Chefs directors, Chefs Warren Frantz and Lesley Jacobs, together with the SA Chefs support team, Opera- industry, learn from leaders in their field, and most importantly connect and network with industry colleagues. The day culminated with a cook off amongst the SA Chefs directors and regional committee members.

The SA Chefs Free State Regional Committee would like to extend a special thanks to the exhibitors for their participation in this event and their continued partnership with SA Chefs in showcasing what the industry has to offer. These exhibitors included Bidfood, Central University of Technology, Chefs Brigade, Clazzique Academy, Culinary & Hospitality Academy, Econo Foods, Events Media, FBI Food & Beverage Institute, Hychem, McCain Foods SA, Olive Chef School, OVC Bloemfontein, Shosholoza Ocean Academy, Sir Fruit Stereo Coffee Roasters, Taylor Made Foods, Unilever Food Solutions, and Vulcan Catering Equipment – Bloemfontein.

Special mention goes to the AHA Hotel Group, Southern Sun, and Windmill Casino for accommodating the visiting chefs, as well as the Azizi team under the leadership of SA Chefs member Chef Angel Mawonga, who hosted the organizing team for dinner.

And finally to all the visitors who made INFOChef Free State an exciting and successful day, many of whom left in anticipation for the 2024 event.

Pakistan

Pakistan’s Biggest Culinary Championship

The Chefs’ Association of Pakistan (CAP), with the endorsement of Worldchefs and the support of the College of Tourism & Hotel Management (COTHM), held the 5th season of the Pakistan International Culinary Championship (PICC), March 14-16 at the Royal Palm Golf & Country Club. With the participation of thousands of professional chefs from Pakistan and abroad, PICC 2023 turned out to be the biggest-ever culinary championship in Pakistan.

Professional chefs from around 100 local hotels, restaurants, cafes, and catering companies participated in culinary competition in different categories. International chefs from Worldchefs’ member associations both competed for the title of Best International Chef and performed the duties of Worldchefs Certified Judges for all the professional competitions.

On the first day of PICC 2023 and for the first time in the history of Pakistan, Worldchefs held a Competition Seminar at the same venue to train the Pakistani chefs about international culinary standards and judging criteria. Worldchefs Certified International Judge and acclaimed chef Domenico Maggi traveled to Pakistan from Italy to upgrade the skills of Pakistani chefs as per the latest standards and practices of Worldchefs.