Sudipta Dev – Mumbai
Thirty executives chefs from Marriott properties across India recently participated in the Marriott India Chefs Workshop in Mumbai. These workshops are organised in different APAC countries. “I do nine workshops in a year. This is happening in India for the second time,” said Chef Toine Hoeksel, culinary director, Asia Pacific, Marriott International. Followed by India, workshops will be organised in Japan, China, Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines, Korea, Australia and Malaysia.
The aim of the workshop, according to Chef Hoeksel, is primarily three factors – first, to ensure that everybody is aligned with the goals for the year. “We all have our balanced score cards based on performances. Alignment of the initiatives that I am doing, and explaining the reasons behind these initiatives. Second, is communicating and networking. Thirdly, it is important that they get out of the property and have fun,” said Chef Hoeksel.
While the workshop is focused on bonding and networking, the chef’s competition is taken very seriously by them. “They want to win, no matter what,” said Chef Hoeksel. The Marriott executive chefs were divided in groups with different stations – local sea food, Asian, Indian Awadhi food, local chaat, European and Italian.
It is also an education experience for them. Every year there is a different theme. “This year we focused on lunch and dinner buffet for all day dining. Last year we focused on breakfasts. We have focused on events, meetings, food quality in general,” informed Chef Hoeksel. He believes that it is important for chefs to be interactive with social media. “I want them to post two things from their property on social media every day, and look at the reviews,” stated Chef Hoeksel.
Talking about talent development he said, “The growth for the company is so big, so we have to make our pipeline, the number two’s ready. I’d rather have people from within who are growing than to hire people from outside.” He is also encouraging female chefs. In China the company has two female executive chefs who are doing excellent jobs, mentioned Chef Hoeksel.