Aitken Spence Hotels to compete in Culinary World Cup 2010

The 11th Salon International de la Gastronomie (International Gastronomy Show) - EXPOGAST 2010, organised by the Société des Foires Internationales de Luxembourg ‘Luxexpo’ in collaboration with the Vatel Club Luxembourg and the Amitié Gastronomique François Vatel will take place from 20 to 24 November at the Centre d’Expositions et de Conférences des Foires Internationales - Luxexpo, in Luxembourg.

The EXPOGAST will host the Villeroy & Boch Culinary World Cup 2010 organised by the World Association of Chefs Societies (WACS). WACS is a non-profit association representing 10million chefs worldwide in over 93 countries. The Aitken Spence Hotels culinary team has been invited to team up with the Golden Horse Shoe Culinary team from Canada at this prestigious event.

A platform for recognising true culinary talents, the competition symbolises the pinnacle of excellence as hundreds of practitioners in the food & beverage industry worldwide gather to prove their mettle.   It is a celebration of culinary talents from all over the world, with participation from almost 500 chefs from 45 teams and 22 countries and regions this year.

An international jury of 55 leading chefs has been appointed to ensure the smooth running of various competitions within the rules of culinary art. Aitken Spence Hotels has had tremendous success in the World Culinary Cup in the past with its Group Skills Development Chef, Chef Dimuthu Kumarasinghe bringing glory and pride to Sri Lanka and to Aitken Spence by securing nine gold medals in the “Culinary World Cup” and “Culinary Olympics” in 2004 and 2006 creating history as the 1st individual to win 9 gold medals at a World Cup competition.

Chef Dimuthu’s accomplishments not only brings credit and fame to Sri Lanka, but also reflects on Aitken Spence Hotels, who have encouraged him and given him the opportunity to develop his talents, to innovate and to create.  “Our culinary team has been working tirelessly preparing for this esteemed event. We are confident that our team, led by Chef Dimuthu will be recognised for their talents at the Culinary World Cup 2010,” said Gemunu Goonawardena, Vice President, Aitken Spence  Hotels.

The Culinary World Cup 2010 with its internationally renowned civilian teams, military teams and teams of young cooks highlights the international size and scale reached by this gastronomy show over the years.  The 11th ‘EXPOGAST’ show looks set to exceed previous events both in terms of the quality of exhibitors and participants present as well as the ever increasing levels of interest expressed by the thousands of visitors in the culinary creations and products presented by the gastronomy and hotel industries over the five day event.

 The Aitken Spence Hotels culinary team is set to participate in the World Cup led by Chef Dimuthu Kumarasinghe – Groups Development Chef, Aitken Spence Hotels and Heritance Hotels who will be participating in the event as the Team Coach and Team Manager.  The participating team will comprise of: Chef Ramish Hassim – Corporate Chef of Heritance Hotels and Resorts,   Sous Chef Gamini Karunathilika-  Sous Chef, Heritance Hotels & Resorts , Chef Lalith Gunasekara – Consultant Chef, Heritance Hotels & Resort, Chef Pradeep Fonseka – Pastry Chef, Heritance Hotels & Resorts, Anil Gunawardena – Senior Kitchen Artist, Heritance Hotels & Resorts, Augustus Lowe – Specialist in Garde Monger preparations and Chef D.J Manjula- Senior Chef De Party at Heritance Hotels & Resorts.

Aitken Spence Hotels and Heritance Hotels, located in strategic cities in the country, cater to a diverse market segment and are famed for its exquisite food and culinary art. Over a period of time the reputation gained in this specialisation has helped to position the chain of hotels as one the best in the region.