Tourism & Hospitality | Thursday 14 September, 2017 5:40 am |

The Sharjah Ladies Club (SLC) chefs have been making waves locally and regionally for their excellence in the culinary arts. Their prowess was recognised yet again at the recently held 1st edition of the Syrian Culinary Competition hosted in collaboration between the Syrian Culinary Guild and Emirates Culinary Guild at the Cove Rotana Resort in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE.

Winning 14 coveted titles in a wide array of categories, eight master chefs from SLC competed with104 participating chefs just from the UAE who represented top hotels and restaurants in the country.

Included in the tally of awards for the SLC chefs were two golds, namely, ‘Syrian Traditional Mezzeh’ and ‘Three Plates of Kibbeh’, both won by Rodney Lorenzo Ramos in the practical and display categories. Jais Uthup Puthnpurackal and Bal Kishan each scooped a silver medal in the ‘Three Plates of Kibbeh’ competition, while ‘Three Plates of Dessert’ won SLC three silvers, with Colabage Samitha Fernando, Dalumurugama Atige Mahesh and Jerin Jose bagging one awards each.

Bronze medals for ‘Syrian Traditional Mezzeh’ in the practical category went to Bal Kishan and Tessie Dalangin Cano, with Cano winning one each for the display categories of ‘Traditional and Modern’, and ‘Three Plates of Kibbeh’. Another SLC chef, Mahendra Vipula Bandara, got the bronze for the display category of ‘Three Plates of Dessert’.

SLC came out a clear winner in the ‘Best in Hygiene’ category, winning three out of four awards dedicated to it. This was one of the Club’s biggest feats as its performance in all competitions maintained top quality hygiene, which led them to claim all but one prizes, which all 120 contestants were in the running for.   

“The SLC is deeply committed to provide its esteemed members highest-quality leisure and luxury, and memorable dining is central to a holistic experience at the Club. The fact that we take utmost care in serving our members and guests a wide range soul satisfying cuisines all year round was reinforced by the winning of these awards. Our expert team of chefs at Lafeef restaurant, the Skate Café, the warm and relaxing Collage Café, the exciting Lamma Picnic packages, and Kunooz – our events and catering specialists – come together to offer something that appeals to every taste and preference,” said Chef Majed Al Sabagh.   

Chef Al Sabagh emphasised that simplicity and fresh, healthy ingredients are central to SLC’s cooking and they go the extra mile in making sure their members are able to replicate their favourite dishes at home by sharing several recipes on their Instagram page, @shjladiesclub. From the global favourite, lentil soup, to healthy salads, wholesome breakfasts, and authentic feasts from all around the world – users can access treasured culinary gems by simply following their hashtag #lafeefdishes.

Established in 1982, SLC - a subsidiary of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs - is dedicated to facilitating leisure and educational activities for women and children, providing them with a relaxing and nurturing place where they can learn, enjoy sports and partake in favourite hobbies. The club organises events that relate to society, art, health and charity, with its activities including bazaars, exhibitions, sporting events, seminars, workshops and forums. Designed to be a unique leisure and learning space, SLC boasts an array of world-class facilities and offers numerous high-end services, making it one of the best-of-its-kind facilities in the Middle East.