The chopping board, knives, bowls and ingredients were all ready, and so were the chefs and children. Wearing their brightest smiles and showing great enthusiasm, the participants from Pune took off to display their culinary skills at the fourth edition of ‘Hyatt Culinary Challenge 2017 — People Cooking For People’ which took place at Hyatt Regency Pune, Viman Nagar, on October 29. This unique initiative by Hyatt Hotels in India took place across 13 cities on the weekend.
The culinary battle, however, does not involve masterchefs but corporates who trade in their suit for an apron, boardroom for the kitchen and to-do-lists for treasured recipes. In Pune, the 10 amateur chefs created a myriad of family style recipes ranging from Chicken Schnitzel, to Asian style Lamb Chops and the wonderful Camaciello prepared by an Italian participant.
Each participant was paired with a child participant from partner NGO Maher Ashram to create a participant choice recipe and adjudged by a panel of judges.
Indu Kapoor, who prepared an Indian Thali, was adjudged the winner and will represent Pune at the grand finale to be held at Hyatt Regency Chennai on December 2.
Ravi S Prayaga, who prepared a unique and healthy fusion of a Japanese rice dish, was declared the runner up.
The cook-off was followed by a brunch.