Culinary Talents Compete for Excellence | Culinary Skills Competition of Wuxi Taihu International Exhibition & Convention Group Successfully Concluded
A Feast for the Senses, A Battle of Skills
September 29, 2024
Culinary Skills Competition of Wuxi Taihu International Exhibition & Convention Group
was successfully held at WXICC
The culinary competition, with the theme of "A Feast for the Senses, A Battle of Skills," was hosted by the Federation of Trade Unions of Wuxi Economic Development District and the Union of Taihu New City Group, and co-organized by Taihu International Exhibition & Convention Group, Taihu New City Culinary Culture Research Institute, and Gonghu Exhibition Media. Six dining operation companies under Wuxi Taihu International Exhibition & Convention Group (including Wuxi International Conference Center, Worldhotel Grand Juna Wuxi, HUALUXE, Holiday Inn and Express, Scholars Boutique Hotel, InterContinental and Hotel Indigo) sent elite teams to compete in a "taste showdown." Renowned members of cooking associations and seasoned chefs from the industry served as judges, offering real-time observations and evaluations, putting the culinary and service teams through comprehensive challenges.
The competition was divided into three main segments: buffet display, live cooking showdown, and Chinese-style table setting. Six teams showcased their expertise, presenting a variety of dishes that dazzled with color, aroma, taste, and presentation, leaving a lasting impression. The event fully demonstrated the star-level quality and international service standards of the hotel cluster in Taihu New City.
A Dazzling Buffet Showcasing Skills
All teams went all out to deliver a buffet feast featuring 12 food stations, including cold dishes, hot dishes, specialty dishes, Chinese and Western desserts, totaling 93 dishes. Despite the large variety of dishes and complex preparation processes, the competing teams overcame challenges through teamwork, leveraging strong professional skills and efficient communication to achieve integration of resources and leverage each other’s strengths.
A Showcase of Culinary Excellence
Teams competed live in three exciting categories: crafting traditional dishes, creating innovative cuisine, and presenting themed afternoon tea displays.
The chef team from WXICC delivered a flawless performance within the allotted time, presenting classic local dishes such as Squirrel-shaped Mandarin Fish, Pork Kidney, Crispy Eel, and Small Steamed Buns. They also showcased a selection of creative dishes including soups, main courses, and specialties. Their masterful knife skills were on full display in the intricately crafted cold dish platters, which were nothing short of stunning culinary art.
The themed afternoon tea, “Autumn Whispers,” drew inspiration from the essence of fall, infusing seasonal flavors into delicate pastries to offer guests a delightful feast for both the eyes and the taste buds.
Elegant Table Settings Present Refined Aesthetics
Contestants followed formal Chinese banquet standards to set tables for ten guests, demonstrating comprehensive service skills through all aspects, including professional appearance, precise placement of tableware, artistic napkin folding, wine pouring, and the overall presentation of the table.
Carefully curated by the WXICC, the two themed table settings "Charm of Jiangnan" and "Traditional Chinese Wedding" embodied the essence of classical Chinese aesthetics. One conveyed grandeur and solemnity, while the other exuded elegance. Infused with regional characteristics and rich cultural meaning, both displays showcased the beauty of harmony. The participating staff dressed in matching traditional attire to complement each theme.
The judges evaluated the teams’ culinary and service performance
based on multiple criteria,
including presentation, aroma, taste, creativity, and nutritional balance,
and gave scores accordingly.
Since its opening, WXICC has successfully hosted numerous large-scale events, earning widespread recognition for its strong reception capabilities and highly trained professional teams. Once again, Taihu Hall A, with 2,750㎡ of space and well-equipped facilities, proved to be an ideal venue for this competition.
As both the venue provider and a participant, WXICC created a platform for exchange and mutual growth among competing teams, fully showcasing the culinary strength and distinctive style of Wuxi Taihu International Exhibition & Convention Group. In addition to promoting innovation in culinary skills, the event also unlocked greater consumer potential, energized urban vitality, and contributed to regional economic development.
In the future, Wuxi International Conference Center,
under the leadership of the Group,
will continue to strengthen its technical talent team,
build a trustworthy service brand, and establish an outstanding reputation.
It will promote resource sharing and collaboration among the Group’s affiliated hotels,
and drive the high-quality development of catering services within the conference and exhibition industry.