QCP officials at the press conference. PICTURE: Nasser T K
By Joseph Varghese/Staff Reporter
The newly-formed body of Qatar Culinary Professionals (QCP) aims to promote Qatari food worldwide and represent Qatar in international competitions.
This was disclosed by the president of QCP, David Sosson, head of Culinary, Aspire Logistics at a press conference held at Wyndham Grand Regency yesterday.
The executive chefs from various hotels and restaurants in the country have joined together to form the QCP which is affiliated to the World Association of Chefs Society (WACS).
Sosson said that the process for forming the Qatar chapter started as early as 2010.
“The idea was initiated by the general manager of Afyhan Hospitality Services, Yuksel Mutlu who is a member of the executive committee as well as the treasurer of QCP.”
He said: “QCP is set up to identify the goals for chefs in the country and share the best practices in the country and globally.
It will also provide opportunities for increased communication among the junior chefs and executive chefs. There will also be opportunities for chefs in Qatar to demonstrate their talents and to be honoured.”
Head Chef at Sukar Pasha at Ottoman Lounge Restaurant, Katara, Baran Yucel, who is the chairman of QCP, said: “ All executive chefs in Qatar will become part of the body soon. We hope that by September this year, QCP will be expanded to include every professional chef in Qatar. We will also have more networking sessions and will be able to provide the best food and service for the people of the country.”
Mutlu said that it took a long time to form the body due to various restrictions and strict supervision by the global body.
“ Even though we started the process as early as 2010, the formation of the unit took almost four years. Now that the QCP is formed and functional, we will have many announcements in the coming months immediately after the holy month of Ramadan.”
The WACS is a global network of chef associations started in Paris in 1928. Today, the body has 93 official chef associations and has around 10mn professional chefs.
