Intersect by Lexus, the famous restaurant in the heart of the Dubai International Financial Center and operated by Al-Futtaim Motors Group, has announced the winner of the “Young Chef Competition”, launched by the restaurant to support young and talented chefs in Dubai.
Three contestants have been selected from a pool of young local talents from the Skafa School of Culinary Arts in Dubai, where the chefs compete against each other by creating unique dishes that reflect their personalities, style and skills. The winning chef, Hayat Moussa, will have the opportunity to present her own three-course menu to DIFC restaurant guests for an entire month.
The three participants, Chef Hayat Moussa Yelma, Chef Mounir Mansab and Chef Hala Basar, presented their menus to a judging panel that included Cappuccini Leblon, Assistant General Manager, Intersect by Lexus, Samantha Wood, award-winning critic and hospitality expert, and Pang Long Chen, Chef In Coya Abu Dhabi, Matthew Balbino, Head Chef, Pierre by Pierre Gagnaire, Chef Ravican Avadula, Head Chef, LBM Abu Dhabi, Alex Augusti @justfoodxb, and Samina Merchant, 2021 Filmfare Social Award winner.
The chef impressed the judges with his curated menu that included an appetizer of artichoke tart, a main course of lamb chops and a dessert of lemon tart.
Capuccini Leblon, Assistant General Manager, Intersect by Lexus, said: “We are very pleased to launch this competition that supports local talent and motivates the new generation of young people to work and participate in the F&B sector.
We were amazed at the level of talent and culinary skills of all the participants, but the culinary skills and creativity that Chef Hayat presented in her special menu made her shine and dominate the rest of the contestants. Its dishes stand out with delicious flavours, combined with a well-thought-out presentation.
We also commend her efforts to make the whole puff pastry which shows her maturity in cooking and self-confidence. We are eagerly waiting for her to join the restaurant this month, so that our customers can enjoy her creations.”