RIYADH PLAYS HOST TO SAUDI MONIN CUP 2019 FINALS

Bidfood KSA and Georges Monin SAS France have announced that Macario Jr. Dela Cruz from Gontran Cherreir is the winner of the Saudi Monin Cup 2019. Bogdan Solonyi from Nozomi and Lester Macatangay from Gontran Cherreir took second and third spots respectively. The Saudi Monin Cup 2019 final was held in Okku, a fine-dining Japanese restaurant in Riyadh, with the event sponsored by the Saudi Arabian Chef Association. Renowned chefs and beverage innovators Fahad Bukhari, Sanjin Dilaver and Jan Marc Menicable were on the judging panel.

Ten finalists competed live in front of the judges, preparing mocktails using the best of local and natural ingredients and/ or inspired by Saudi culture and cuisine. Among the finalists were: Jhon Michael Beran from All in 7 cafe; Kevin Pereira from Kabsh Restaurant; Renante Cellan from Ritz Carlton Riyadh; Ariel Rogayan Crowne Plaza RDC; Rodel Bucayu from Vivienda Hotels and Resorts; and Hottensiah Kinyanjui from Nofa Resorts, a Radisson Collection Hotel. The winner and runners-up will be given direct entry into the finale of the Saudi Monin Cup 2020 edition, with the winner then gaining a place at the global edition of the Monin Cup 2020, which is held in Paris. This initiative is aimed at rewarding the efforts of the 2019 winner and runnersup and to recognize their dedication to the art of bartending in the first-ever KSA mixology competition. Commenting on his win, Macario Jr. said: “For a moment, I felt like it was a dream. Then, hearing the applause for me, I realized it was actually a dream come true. It was a tense journey, but a truly rewarding experience as it helped me to push the boundaries of what I thought I could do.” Macario Jr’s winning drink was Red Maria, created using Monin Almond Syrup and Raspberry Puree, presented with watermelon, redcurrants and dried grapefruit. Hamza El Shaer, marketing manager, Bidfood KSA, commented: “We are very pleased with the overwhelming response we received to the call for entries, which prompted Monin International to add Saudi Arabia to the global edition next year. This demonstrates the importance of such competitions, which provide young industry professionals with an unparalleled opportunity to explore their creativity and display their skills to the fast-growing food and beverage industry, as well as to promote the emerging talent in the Saudi culinary sector. The Monin Cup has earned its status as the most coveted title in the beverage industry and through this initiative, Bidfood KSA aims to inspire and encourage young talent to continue striving for ever-upward improvement in their careers.” monin.com/emea