A trip down to Temasek Polytechnic, I thought it was going to be yet another boring thing that my sister had asked me accompany her to. But, in fact it was… a wonderful and exciting experience! ..I got to meet my future boss, Chef Eric Neo! (My dream is to work in the kitchen of Crowne Plaza Hotel!) And also got to meet the future me! HOHOHO *winks* I have a new idol~ <3 Nicole.

So... let's start with a little introduction of the Singapore's National Culinary Team.

Team managed by Eric Neo – Executive Chef of Crowne Plaza Changi Airport, followed by team captain Douglas Tay – Sous Chef of Equinox Resaurant and members, Jeffery Siew – Executive Sous Chef of Marina Mandarin, Yew Eng Tong – Sous Chef of The Cannery, Kong Kok Kiang – Senior Sous Chef of Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel, and Nicole Wong – Pastry Chef of Fairmont Hotel.

They are now prepared for the battle at WA Oceanafest 2009, that will be awaiting for them in Perth on March 22 to 24!

Random: How I wish to have a Dad like Chef Eric Neo or at least a great chef. He could make me yummy lunchboxes everyday. I’ll be a well fed little girl. Ohwait.. I’m still very well fed without a chef dad.. note to self: not this size for nothing! ok.. back to the topic. XD

Oceanafest is hosted once every 2years. Back in 2007, Singapore manage to bring home the trophy, making us all proud. Hopefully they will be able to defend the title once more. Fingers crossed!

They will be preparing a 3-course meal:

Terrine of Fruits De Mer
Compression of Pickled Watermelon
Apple Celery Espuma
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Hazelnut Xocopili Lamb Rack and Gateau of Braised Lamb Shank
Creamed Salsify, Orange – Sweet Potato Mousseline
Sauce Marjoram
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Warm Zesty Almond Fondant
Mint Parfait with Raspberry and Frozen Exotic Coulis

They had given us the privilege to have a sneak peak at their fine work, and even a taste of one of the dishes.. which is the first of the 3 dishes listed above. It was delicious, but not something I will crave for. I didn’t like the gelatin and not a fan for celery. But the watermelon tasted so sweet! YUMMY!

The team will have to whipped up and present 88 portions of this delicate 3-course meal within the given time of 4hours. Each of the 88 portions, 1 will be randomly given to the judges, therefore they need to make sure every plate is as perfect as possible. Time is of the essence!

All this excitement almost (just almost!) made me forgot about the commotion at the kitchen below.

Ohh.. but before I get to that part, I just felt like telling a funny thing that happen that day. So… here goes!

Sis and I was mistaken as the polytechnic’s student that’s why the “PR” didn’t bother about us, till the “PR” realise the ‘Gadget3′ tag thingy hanging on dummie sister’s neck (which took almost an hour for them to realise). Actually.. this is not very funny.. and it’s not suprising for anyone to mistake me as a poly student, cause if I didn’t drop out of school it should be the last year of poly for me. So… the jokes on my moo moo sister! at least.. I think she doesn’t really like being think off as a student, so by writing this it will annoy her! KEKEKE. (but seriously.. isn’t it a good thing to be young?)

Let’s continue.

So.. all the hustle and bussle below was.. because of the 8 teams from the Singapore Junior Chef Club, having a cooking competition. Obviously competition means competing for something right? and that something is.. the grand prize, that includes not only a trophy (that indicates the word CHAMPION) but a sponsored trip to Perth with the Singapore National Culinary team and to partake in the Oceanafest 2009!

The second prize was a knife set worth $600 (I WANT I WANT~ T-T) and third prize, some cooking related books worth $400.

Let’s all open our eyes big big! like this.. >> (O_O)

The day has to end, and it ended with a $12,000 cheque presented to the Singapore National Culinary Team by its sponsor, Nestle Professional.

The Junior Chefs had all when home a winner.. I, in the other hand when home with mixed feelings of envy (more like jealousy =x), but inspired! Then again.. I wasn’t allowed to go home yet, had to accompany moo moo sister to the next event which make me “zZzZzzz.”

Note: I’ve blogged this topic @ Gadget3.com! too bad it’s not on the main page yet.