It was lucky 13 for uMhlanga’s Beverly Hills Hotel who led the way at the Distell Inter-Hotel Challenge Awards.
The ninth annual Distell Inter-Hotel Challenge Awards, hosted in early March, in recognition of South Africa’s top culinary and hospitality talent, was met with much excitement and anticipation. The initiative remains devoted to the growth, support and acknowledgement of the South African hospitality industry, and this year was no different.
This year’s challenge received numerous entries in eager contest for the top honours, and Tsogo Sun Hotels’ iconic luxury Durban property – The Beverly Hills Hotel – was the star of the evening. The commendable team raked up 13 awards, including the prestigious Hotel General Manager of the Year Award won by the man at the helm of the hotel, John Aritho.
“The Beverly Hills Hotel is one of the Groups founding hotels with a great legacy and reputation for service excellence. We are proud of the great work and achievement by John Aritho and his team. This achievement is a true testament to the warm hospitality and impeccable service Tsogo Sun Hotels has become synonymous with for over 50 years,” comments Marcel von Aulock, Tsogo Sun Hotels CEO.
The incredible team at the Beverly Hills were honoured with the following top awards at this year’s virtual event.
- General Manager Of The Year: John Aritho
- Distell Inter-Hotel Challenge Chef Of The Year: Ivanna Ganesh
- Distell Inter-Hotel Challenge Pastry Chef Of The Year: Sohail Seegobin
- Best Team: The Beverly Hills
- Mentor Of The Year: Hagashen Moodley, Sous Chef
- The Purple Ribbon Award For The Best Sa Pork Dish: Ivanna Ganesh
- 1st Place Lancewood Best Dessert: Sohail Seegobin
- 1st Place Butter Cake: Sohail Seegobin
In remaining true to their commitment to the growth and development of industry talent, the Inter-Hotel Challenge has awarded the Pastry Chef of the Year, Sohail Seegobin with a three-week internship in France, the home of fine patisserie at the exquisite Chateau La Creuzette in Boussac. A matchless prize where the winner will continue to broaden their culinary skills and at the same time absorb incomparable French flair.
Says Annette Kesler of the Distell Inter-Hotel Challenge: “The core objectives that lie at the heart of this Challenge, remain unchanged. We are about mentorship for the next generation of hospitality giants in South Africa. The young men and women we meet as candidates throughout the Challenges, are the same individuals who go on to become the leading lights in South Africa‘s hospitality industry. Hospitality is the backbone of tourism, and tourism is a core industry of South Africa. Without mentorship programmes like this, and the passionate commitment of the hotels and their management, sommeliers, executive chefs, farmers, food producers and educators across the disciplines, our hotel industry would not be able to sustain the high standards by which we are known around the globe.“
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Pictured: Paula Noah, Nathan Mc Miles, Sohail Seegobin, Samantha Croft, Lungile Ignatia Mkhize, Nathania Wasserman, John Aritho, Ntsiki Msweli, Ivanna Ganesh, Hagashen Moodley, Xolani Mzileni, and Augustino Bedini.