BADUNG, Balinews.id – As a young and talented young chef at The Apurva Kempinski Bali, Kadek Sumiarta is making waves in the culinary world. After being crowned the winner of the Juenes Talents Escoffier competition for Indonesia in May 2022 and Asia Pacific in November 2022, Kadek is set to represent both Indonesia and the Asia Pacific region at the global finale in Paris this November 2024.
Established in 1954, Disciples Escoffier International was created to honor Auguste Escoffier, a trailblazer in fine dining. The association promotes culinary excellence, continuous innovation, and the preservation of culinary traditions while supporting humanitarian causes. With over 30,000 members across more than 30 countries, the organization upholds Escoffier’s legacy through its commitment to quality and mentorship.
A highlight of Disciples Escoffier’s mission is the Young Talents Escoffier competition. Designed for culinarians under 25, this competition celebrates Escoffier’s heritage while challenging young chefs to push creative and technical boundaries. Winning this competition not only provides recognition but also opens doors to networking opportunities with esteemed chefs, journalists, and food critics.
Kadek’s journey into the culinary world began with inspiration from his cousin’s kitchen experiences and his deep-rooted passion for creativity, which he channels through his Balinese heritage. His approach combines intricate artistry with a dedication to enhancing ingredient flavors, reflecting Escoffier’s principles.
Describing his victories in Indonesia and Asia Pacific as “surreal,” Kadek acknowledges the immense effort and preparation required. The challenge of mastering unfamiliar French classics was significant, yet he received unwavering support from The Apurva Kempinski Bali.
Under the guidance of esteemed mentors like Chef Jean-Yves Leuranguer, a Meilleur Ouvrier de France Cuisine (1996), and Chef Ho Weng Kit, a multi-award-winning chef, Kadek has refined his skills and approach. Their mentorship has been instrumental in developing Kadek’s cooking techniques and problem-solving abilities, encouraging him to innovate while staying true to his culinary roots.
As Kadek prepares for the global finale in Paris, he is focused on perfecting his dishes to showcase the essence of Indonesian flavors on an international stage. He is eager to bring a unique perspective by integrating Indonesian ingredients into his creations. “I am thrilled to represent Indonesia on such a prestigious platform,” Kadek says. Despite the pressures of high-level competition, his mentors have instilled in him a calm and inquisitive mindset, essential for overcoming challenges.
Yoann Mathy, Executive Chef at The Apurva Kempinski Bali, commended Kadek’s passion and creativity: “It has been an honor to mentor Kadek alongside Chef Jean-Yves and Chef Kit. We eagerly anticipate his performance in Paris and believe he will continue to excel.”
Vincent Guironnet, General Manager at The Apurva Kempinski Bali, echoed this sentiment: “Kadek’s achievements reflect the excellence we aspire to at The Apurva Kempinski Bali. We are confident he will make a significant impact in Paris.”
About The Apurva Kempinski Bali:
Perched on the stunning cliffs of Nusa Dua with panoramic views of the Indian Ocean, The Apurva Kempinski Bali epitomizes beachfront luxury. This five-star resort is a grand open-air venue embodying Indonesian elegance. Featuring 475 distinctive rooms, suites, and villas, with 60% including private plunge pools, the resort offers unique culinary experiences, traditional spa treatments, spacious meeting facilities, and enchanting chapels, making it a premier destination for curated luxury experiences. (*)