The Cook Islands chapter of the distinguished international association of gastronomy, Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, is playing in the ‘big league’.
According to the president (“Bailli Délégué”) of the Cook Islands Chaîne chapter, Phillip Nordt, the Cook Islands is purposely increasing its profile as a sought-after destination for travellers who enjoy culinary experiences on their vacations.
Earlier this year, the Cook Islands Chefs Association and the Cook Island Tertiary Training Institute, in conjunction with La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, organised the ‘Young Chef of the Nation’ competition for young chefs in Rarotonga to demonstrate their talents. The winner and gold medalist was 22 year-old Pukapuka-born Ngametua (Tua) Ngaro Tariau from On The Beach Restaurant at Manuia Beach Resort.
“Tua is now a contender in the Young Chefs of the World competition, which is being held in Frankfurt on the 8 September,” said Nordt
“Eighteen nations will compete including USA, Canada, France, Germany, Norway, Singapore, and now the Cook Islands.
“We are producing a documentary with CITV about Tua’s amazing journey. It’s called From Pukapuka to Frankfurt: Tua a Cook Islands Culinary Journey.
The documentary will be screened on CITV and Cook Islands Tourism will also use it as a promotional tool through their YouTube Channel.
“Ultimately, we are trying to bring the young chefs of the world competition to the Cook Islands in 2020. That would certainly put the Cook Islands on the culinary world map, says Nordt.
“We want to encourage visitors to come here for the food – another good reason to enjoy the Cook Islands.”
On Saturday August 19, La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs will hold their annual meeting at Nautilus Resort.
As part of the occasion La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs will stage a gala dinner event, “Feast with Olympic Chefs” at The Islander Hotel, which brings together the New Zealand Olympic Team who won Silver at the World Chefs Olympics in Berlin last year.
“The public are cordially invited to this extraordinary gala dinner, which is a fundraising event for the Cook Islands Chefs Association for the growth and development of young Cook Islanders”.
With 25,000 members worldwide, the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs is represented in over 80 countries, bringing together enthusiasts who share the same values of quality, fine dining, the encouragement of the culinary arts, and “the pleasures of the table”.
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