Excitement grows as Samoa’s top chefs gear up for competition

19 October 2016, 12:00AM

Preparations are well underway for the Oceania Gas Salon Culinaire competition scheduled for Saturday 29 October 2016.

The competition is being organised by the Samoa Culinary Association.  

This is the first time the competition has been held in Samoa and showcases local up and coming chefs, as well as local food. With over 30 competitors entered, the event at the Sheraton Samoa Aggies Grey’s Hotel and Bungalows is going to be exciting as the inspiring local chefs cook a variety of dishes.  

Starting at 9.00am there are four live cooking events throughout the morning, with the finale starting at 1.30pm with The Team Challenge.  This event requires a Junior and a Senior Chef to work together to produce a two course meal in 80 minutes.  

Three international culinary competition judges are flying in to assist with judging the food presented on the day. 

President of the Samoa Culinary Association and owner of Scalinis Restaurant, Chef Joe Lam is excited about the competition.

 “With these international judges attending the competition, it shows that we are serious about the quality of the food in Samoa, the culinary industry is maturing and we back our young boys and girls especially when it comes to training,” he said. 

He explained that one of his staff who is competing in the event practiced eight times over a three-hour period, making and perfecting the dessert he is creating on competition day.  

“That is the dedication chefs and owners have to this competition.”

Last week the organising committee met at Sheraton Samoa Aggies Grey’s Hotel and Bungalows to put the final touches to the plan of the day and for a walk through of the venue. 

Chef Joe Lam was impressed by the venue and the support the team from the Sheraton is giving the event.  

 “With the event being held in an open sided Fale, it added a true Samoan flavour to the competition, this will continue through the event with the local produce being showcased.”

Andy McCallum, Country Manager, Oceania Gas, who is the Premier sponsor of the competition also attended the meeting. 

“Oceania Gas is proud to be a supporter of the Samoa Culinary Association and also the inaugural Salon Culinaire competition,” said Mr. McCallum. 

“As the LPG supplier of choice to many hotels and restaurants in Samoa, including the Sheraton Hotel, there is a great fit between Oceania Gas and the Salon Culinaire and to be able to support up and coming local chefs, well, that puts the icing on the cake”!

Chef Michael Hardy, Vice President of the S.C.A and Executive Chef, Tanoa Tusitala reminded everyone at the meeting that without the support of the sponsors this event would not possible.  He thanked all the sponsors.

At 4pm there is the award ceremony when gold, silver and bronze medals will be presented to the winning competitors including the coveted and much sought after awards,  Frankie’s Junior Chef of the Year and the Air New Zealand Senior Chef of the Year

The event is free and open to the public, so come on over to Sheraton Samoa Aggie Grey’s Hotel and Bungalows and support these talented local chefs and join in the fun.  For more information and updates check out our 

Facebook Page @samoanculinaryassociation or call Kate on 757 6320.

19 October 2016, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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