Time to relax and enjoy buffet

By PRISCILLA DIELENBERG

AFTER three days of 'battle,' it was finally time for 460 chefs, cooks, students and service staff members of food and beverage outlets to sit back and enjoy a catered buffet spread.

The event was the closing ceremony of the 12th Battle of the Chefs held at the Penang International Sports Arena.

Chefs Association of Malaysia Penang Chapter chairman Audee Cheah said the participants came from Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, South Korea and Taiwan.

He said some were individuals while the rest were from various organisations including restaurants, hotels, colleges, associations and motels.

There were 641 entries for the 36 cate-gories of competition, he said.

He added that judging was done by an international panel of over 30 judges from Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, South Korea, Myanmar, Switzerland, Italy, Germany, France, Ireland and United States.

The big winner of the three-day battle was The Datai Resort Langkawi, which won the main award - the inaugural Penang Governor Challenge Trophy.

State executive councillor Phee Boon Poh, who represented Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, said food was always a major factor in tourism which was the state's second highest income generator.

"Food is not only about eating. It also involves seeing and smelling. And chefs and cooks, with their expertise, make Penang food even better," he said in his speech.

He commended the participants on their integration and interaction with the dream of making food more beautiful by sharing their experiences and technical know-how.

"You (participants) competed fiercely but shared notes," he said.

Also present was Penang Tourism Action Council (PTAC) chairman Datuk Kee Phaik Cheen.

The Battle of the Chefs was part of the Penang International Food Festival (PIFF) 2009, which also saw two other events held simultaneously - the Food and Culinary Expo (iFOODex) and the 100-stall Penang Food Delights.

PIFF 2009 was jointly organised by the Chefs Association of Malaysia Penang Chapter and international professional exhibitor Intrenasionale, and supported by PTAC, Tourism Malaysia and the Tourism Ministry.

Delectable works of art Splendid display of culinary creativity at Penang International Food Festival

By ANDREA FILMER

IT was a banquet for the senses at the Penang International Food Festival (PIFF) that kicked off yesterday at the Penang International Sports Arena (PISA).

Visitors who attended the first day of the three-day festival were met with great discounts, astonishing and artistic 'works of food' and the best hawker food from across the nation.

The festival is a combination of three events - the 12th Battle of the Chefs, the iFOODex expo and the 100-stall Penang Food Delights.

In the main arena, the Battle of the Chefs was in full swing as the culinary masters showed off their talents in various showpieces.

Visitors gawked at elaborate castles made of bread, chocolate cities and cars, delicate hearts, figurines and in one case, even a church, built into a multitier wedding cake as well as designs of every kind carved into fruits and vegetables.

Outside on the concourse, everything from cooking appliances to seasonings to health drinks were on sale at the food and culinary expo iFOODex.

Some 130 booths were set up showcasing products from all over the region as well as the United States, Iran, Taiwan and China.

Members from The Star were also on hand promoting their Flavours magazine and other publications.

"We're offering a special promotional price of RM53 for a one-year subscription of the Flavours magazine," said circulation executive Soon Chun Keat.

On top of that, purchasers will receive an Avon goodie bag which includes lipstick and cologne and a recipe booklet from Ayam Brand.

"We'll throw in a free copy of 'At Home' with Amy Beh worth RM30 for those opting for a two-year subscription at RM98," he said.

Flavours is a bi-monthly magazine.

He added that other publications on sale at the booth were going at 20% off.

Outside PISA, the 100-stall Penang Local Delights food fair was raging underneath a canopy of big, white tents.

Visitors thronging the stalls were seen munching on local favourites such as satay and keropok losong.

Mouth-watering dishes of char koay teow, pasembor, curry mee and mee udang were also on sale.

PIFF was launched by Tourism Ministry deputy secretary general Dr Zunaidah Lee Abdullah yesterday who represented Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said.

The festival runs until tomorrow.

Entrance is free for iFOODex (11am to 9pm) and Penang Local Delights (6pm to midnight) while RM3 is charged for entry to witness the Battle of the Chefs (10am to 6pm).

Booklet on local treats

A FOOD directory aptly named, 'Tummy Treats', showcasing some 500 local delights ranging from hawker to fine-dining, will be launched tomorrow.

Penang Tourism Action Council (PTAC) chairman Datuk Kee Phaik Cheen said the 200-page booklet, priced at RM35, will be launched at the Penang International Food Festival (PIFF) 2009 at Penang International Sports Arena (Pisa).

The first edition of the food directory will also be launched at the Food Week in Singapore soon, she told a press conference at Komtar recently.

"We're targeting Singaporeans as our main niche market," Kee said, adding that a recent survey showed the average Singaporean made at least three trips to Ma-laysia in a year.

"Out of the three trips, one trip will be to Penang with 99.99% of Singaporeans visiting the state for our food," she added.

She said the book publication was sponsored by Tourism Malaysia and if proven feasible, Tourism Malaysia will expand the book directory idea to other states as well.

Kee said the three-day PIFF, to be held from tomorrow, will feature three programmes - the 12th Battle of the Chefs, food and culinary expo IfoodEX and the 100-stall Penang Food Delights.

Jointly organised by the Chefs Association of Malaysia Penang Chapter and Intrenasionale (an international professional exhibitor), the event will showcase local specialities like soup gearbox (bone marrow soup) from Kedah, satay tulang from Negri Sembilan, rendang tok from Perak, kolok mee from Sarawak and nasi dagang from Terengganu.

PIFF 2009 is supported by PTAC, Tourism Malaysia and the Tourism Ministry.

Kee also said in conjunction with the PIFF event, Rapid Penang will provide 45 buses plying via eight different routes from Weld Quay to Pisa from 5.30am to 1am from Friday to Sunday.

100,000 expected for food festival

THE largest consumer food exhibition in Malaysia, iFoodex 2009, will feature 130 booths from all over the region and the United States.

Event organiser Intrenasionale chief executive officer Andrew S. Chan said apart from Malaysia, countries like Iran, Singapore, Taiwan, Indonesia and China would also showcase their food and kitchen products during the three-day event starting from Friday at the Penang International Sports Arena (PISA) in Relau, Penang.

He said the crowd was expected to be bigger this year as it would be held simultaneously with two other events - the 12th Battle of the Chefs and the 100-stall Penang Local Delights.

The three events come under the Penang International Food Festival (PIFF).

"We are expecting 100,000 people over the three days in comparison to some 60,000 visitors last year," Chan told a press conference in Komtar recently.

He said as health was closely related to the food industry, the event this year would see a participation of major companies such as Merck, Abbott, Yakult, YSP, CCM, Ecobrown, Sin Wah Thong, Yigaho, Green Image and Melilea.

This is an incentive-driven exhibition with lots of freebies, discounted products and food sampling.

"There will also be non-stop interactive stage activities for visitors and they can win prizes," he said.

He said that by switching on their handphones' Bluetooth device, visitors could also receive information on special discounts offered by the exhibitors.

The PIFF 2009 is supported by the Penang Tourism Action Council (PTAC), Tourism Ma-laysia and the Tourism Ministry.

Those interested in renting tents for their stalls during the event can call PTAC at 04-2620202.

Born to eat

PENANG By HELEN ONG

Dato Kee Phaik Cheen grew up with an appreciation for good food.

WITH the trademark streak of white (it's natural) which adorns the quiff of her permed bouffant hairdo and bright hand-painted batik kaftans (she has a whole wardrobe of them), Dato Kee Phaik Cheen is a familiar sight to Penangites. After all, she was State Exco for Tourism for 14 years, and is now the Chairman of the Penang Tourism Action Council (PTAC).

This dynamic lady, who turned 61 last September, is fiercely Penangite and proud of it. Her great-grandfather arrived from southern China and eventually became a sugar magnate who founded the village of Sungei Bakap, where she was born.

Apparently her mother, a teacher, was a very good cook and was renowned for her Penang Laksa and popiah. Unfortunately, Dato Kee doesn't appear to have inherited those culinary skills, although she will admit to growing up with an appreciation for good food, especially of the nyonya variety, hot and sour flavours being her favourite.

"I love asam pedas," she said, referring to the light, typically nyonya fish curry made with chilli paste and tamarind juice. "But I really miss char kuey teow when I'm away. As for Penang curry mee......mmm!"

Food, here I come: Dato Kee Phaik Cheen enjoys Penang food.

Whether it's nyonya, local, hawker, western, Italian or Japanese, there's a dish in practically every cuisine that she is partial to. "I like lasagnas, and when it comes to western food, I love my steaks." Which apparently have to be almost blue: "The juices must run red!"

As she is such a connoisseur, but doesn't cook herself, which places does she frequent in Penang?

"We're very lucky here. It's a real melting-pot of cuisines ¨C we not only have the best hawker food in Malaysia, but also good restaurants and hotels," she declared.

During her lunch hour, her favourite haunts includes Ocean Green Seafood Restaurant off Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah, which apparently does a mean asam pedas with bee hoon and Malay Street, where she eats duck porridge. That day, we were trying out beef kuey teow at the coffee shop at the corner of Beach and Chulia Streets. It's served dry or "wet", with or without pak lai (offal).

"The test," she said, taking that all-important first sip, "is in the soup. It must not be too "cheng" (watery) and yet not too thick either - it must be just right!"

It's boiling hot and not cloying, as can sometimes be the case, and comes with a sprinkling of Chinese parsley and home-made chilli sauce. But at RM18 for the two bowls, they are definitely not the cheapest noodles in Penang!

In these politically-correct days, it is refreshing to see a lady who makes no bones about her enjoyment of food. "I was made to eat! Unfortunately, I just happen to have a low metabolic rate," she chuckled, as this penchant for good food shows in her rather full figure. But she has been known to use her size to her advantage.

She recounts an endearing incident when, on giving a presentation about Penang to a large group of Middle Eastern tour agents in Dubai, she ended by proclaiming that there was no need to tell them how good the food is here.

"Just take a look at me!" the cheeky lady announced, stepping to the side of the podium for all to see. "I got a standing ovation for it!" she laughed.

Her job as State Exco allowed her to indulge in this favourite pastime, as it exposed her to many different types of food which she may not otherwise have tried, even down to horsemeat ("very tender") in Kazakhstan.

It was in that capacity that she started the first Penang Food Fest in 1994, at Batu Ferringhi Beach, which was moved to Gurney Drive the following year.

She is the Organising Chairman of the Penang International Food Festival 09 this year, which will be held at the Penang International Sports Arena (PISA) on 13-15 March. It will encompass three main events.

During the day, over 500 chefs and apprentices from all over the world will vie for top places in the 12th Battle of the Chefs. Organised by the Penang Chapter of the Chefs Association of Malaysia (CAM), it is the biggest culinary competition in the region.

"The aim is to allow our chefs to network and show off their skills and standards in the international cooking arena," explained the lady who has been adopted by the Association's Penang branch as their K'hai Ma (godmother), because of all the support she has given them in the past.

The i-Foodex Exhibition will take place at the same time, during which the public will have an opportunity to see what new products are available in the market.

Nearly 150 traders will be there promoting the latest in utensils, appliances, ingredients, kitchen furniture, etc - in fact, anything associated with dining and cooking.

Finally, from 6pm to midnight, hungry visitors will be able to eat at over 100 stalls showcasing dishes from all over Malaysia.

Laying out a feast for the senses

THE Penang International Food Festival (PIFF) 2009 next month promises to be a food lovers’ delight, according to Penang Tourism Action Council (PTAC) chairman Datuk Kee Phaik Cheen

The three-day event from March 13 at the Penang International Sports Arena (PISA) will feature three programmes not to be missed - the 12th Battle of the Chefs, food and culinary expo IfoodEX and the 100-stall Penang Food Delights.

Kee said the three-in-one event was jointly organised by the Chefs Association of Malaysia Penang Chapter and Intrenasionale (an international professional exhibitor). Other Malaysian states are also coming to showcase their specialties.

“There will be soup gearbox (bone marrow soup) from Kedah, satay tulang from Negri Sembilan, rendang tok from Perak, kolok mee from Sarawak and nasi dagang from Terengganu,” she said at a press conference at PTAC’s Komtar office recently.

Feast for all: (From left) PTAC general manager Chin Yin Fat, Kee,
Chefs Association of Malaysia Penang Chapter chairman chef Audee Cheah,
Andrew Chan and other members of the organising committee holding up
posters on the Penang International Food Festival.

Kee said 500 chefs from Asia would battle it out for the TYT challenge trophy, best chef title and medals at the Battle of the Chefs.

“The competition will see over 35 battles involving wedding cakes, plated dessert, buffet platter, butter sculpture, vegetable or ice carving and team live cooking,” she said.

Intrenasionale chief executive officer Andrew S. Chan said the IfoodEX would feature 118 companies from Penang, Iran, Singapore , Indonesia and China selling food products and kitchenware.

“There will also be freebies from sponsors, cooking demos and also a teh tarik competition,” he said.

Homestay operators and Federal Agriculture Marketing Authority (FAMA) will be selling their products at the festival too.

There will be live entertainment and activities daily at the festival from 6pm to midnight. The event will also see the launch of ‘Tummy Treats’, a Penang food directory.

PIFF 2009 is supported by PTAC, Tourism Malaysia and the Tourism Ministry. Those interested in renting tents for their stalls during the event can call PTAC (04-2620202).

500 at chefs' showdown

By PRISCILLA DIELENBERG

ABOUT 500 participants from Asia are expected at the 12th Battle of the Chefs to be held at the Penang International Sports Arena (PISA) as part of the Penang International Food Festival (PIFF) 2009 from March 13 to March 15.

Chefs Association of Malaysia Penang Chapter chairman Audee Cheah told a press conference that the participating students, cooks, chefs and service staff of various food and beverage outlets are from Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, South Korea and Taiwan.

There are 36 categories of competition, he said, and judging will be done by an international panel of more than 30 judges from Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, China and Hong Kong, Taiwan, South Korea, Myanmar, Switzerland, Italy, Germany, France, Ireland and the United States.

The categories with the highest entries to date are Apprentice Live Cooking and Live Cooking Main Course 2 (Fish/Seafood) with 75 entries each, Vegetable and Fruit Carving Practical with 46 entries, and Live Cooking Main Course 1 (Meat/Poultry/Game) with 44 entries, he added.

“Penang cuisine highlights at the event will include char koay teow, Nescafe tarik and roti canai tossing,” said Cheah.

The main award, with a cash prize of RM5,000, is the Penang Governor Challenge Trophy.

The Battle of the Chefs competition will be held at the arena of the indoor stadium and entry fee is RM3.

The three-day PIFF 2009 is jointly organised by the Chefs Association of Malaysia Penang Chapter and international professional exhibitor Intrenasionale,and supported by the Penang Tourism Action Council, Tourism Malaysia and the Tourism Ministry.

Besides the Battle of the Chefs, two other events are also being held at PISA in conjunction with the PIFF 2009 — the food and culinary expo iFOODex and the Penang Food Fest carnival.

Local delights all under one roof

By PRISCILLA DIELENBERG

FORGET about dieting from March 13 to March 15. Instead, flock to the Penang International Sports Arena (PISA) to savour Penang food at the Penang International Food Festival 2009.

Penang Tourism Action Council chairman Datuk Kee Phaik Cheen said the word “diet” should be removed from the vocabulary for the three days as interesting activities, which should not be missed, had been lined up.

She said the festival would feature a food carnival, a food and culinary expo and the Battle of the Chefs competition.

She said initially the festival was supposed to be held over a period of nine days but the Tourism Ministry had slashed the funds and the event was cut down to three days.

“But we are still appealing to the ministry and if we are allocated funds to host the event for nine days, then a beach extravaganza party where various hotels can promote their specialty will be organised.

“But I am yet to get a confirmation. And for the time being, the plan is to host the three-day festival,’’ she told a press conference on Tuesday.

The festival will be jointly organised by the Chefs Association of Malaysia Penang Chapter and Intrenasionale, (an international professional exhibitor) and supported by the action council, Tourism Malaysia and the ministry.

Kee said the food carnival with over 100 stalls was themed ‘Penang Local Delights.’

She added that the event would be held at the open-air space from 6pm to midnight while the culinary expo would be held at the concourse area.

The Battle of the Chefs competition would held in the indoor stadium, she said.

Association president Audee Cheah said there were 36 categories of competitions.

She added that chefs from countries as far as Taiwan, Korea, Australia and Thailand had confirmed their participation.

Intrenasionale chief executive officer Andrew S. Chan said more than 100 companies from the country and all over the region would be participating in the expo.

For further information on the expo, log on to www.ifoodex.com.

Those interested to participate in the competition can visit the association’s website at www.battleofthechefs.com.my.

• Sign GuestBook 2009
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• In the News
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• BOTC Guestbook 2007

• Results Day One 13/03/2009
• Results Day Two 14/03/2009
• Results Day Three 15/03/2009