The Phoenicia's kitchen brigade of award-winning chefs have added to their tally with 22 medals from the  Malta Kulinarja cookery and culinary arts championships. The competition was held at the MFCC in Ta' Qali by the Malta Chefs Society under the auspices of the World Association of Chefs Societies, with over 300 Maltese and international chefs competing for the prestigious awards in a multitude of different categories.

The competitions formed part of Vivanda, an annual culinary event focused on Euro-Mediterranean gastronomical traditions, cultures and innovations. Nine international judges adjudicated The Vivanda Chef Challenge, with participants competing for a range of titles of as well as a number of team awards. Participants also took part in events including a 'mystery box' of ingredients, vegan and street-food challenges, and dishes centred on under-utilised Mediterranean fish.

The Phoenicia's brigade of chefs had some real highlights including Gold for Gabriel Caruana in 'Local cheese dish' as well as another Gold for Gabriel Caruana with Alessandro Gravino in 'Live High Tea'. A number of The Phoenicia's chefs won Silver Awards, including Jonathan Grech for Maltese Gbejna & Maltese Sausage; and, Matthew Sammut and Elena Marangoni in the Cook & Serve category. Other silvers included Senior Practical team of 3, Chefs Grand Prix team of 3, Amuse Bouche, Underutilised Fish dish Senior, Local Pork dish Senior, Local Pork dish Junior, Decorated Celebration Cake, Mystery Box menu and Pasta Junior.

Executive Chef Daniel Debattista said, "We would like to congratulate all our Chefs for the fantastic results during The Vivanda Chef Challenges, these latest 22 awards underline the depth of talent at the hotel and the ability to cook well under pressure."

General Manager Charles Azzopardi said, "Our signature restaurant The Phoenix, as well as Café Phoenicia, are happy to be home to another 22 awards from the Malta Kulinarja, which is the most regarded of all local culinary competitions. I would like to thank the team members for all the hard work they put into their preparations for this event and for the great results achieved." 

For further information, see www.phoeniciamalta.com or www.facebook.com/phoeniciahotel, or call 2122 5241.