Thursday, August 4, 2016

FROM THE HOLIDAY INN, KOCHI.....................2

                                    “CREATIVE PASTRY CHEF”!


I had met this fun loving Pastry Chef at Holiday Inn, Kochi last month.

I was writing a review in trip advisor on Deli KC - one of the restaurants at this hotel – and that is the time when I was impressed by the cool demeanour of Chef Senthil Raj (31). Presently, he is a Junior Sous Chef-Pastry in this hotel.

Listen to what Michael Saju, Executive Chef, Holiday Inn, Kochi has to say about Chef Senthil: "Very positive is Senthil in his works habits and attitude. You give him ideas and he will execute the same flawlessly. How much ever pressure you put on him he will serve smilingly and he is a good learner too". Interestingly, Chef Michael happens to be the mentor of Chef Senthil.


Senthil has been working with this hotel, since Nov 2013. This always -pleasant, active Chef started his career with Classic Avenue, a 4 star property in Thiruvananthapuram soon after passing out from IHM, Hajipur, Bihar. His stint lasted for a year each with Alila Diwa, Goa, Whittleburry Hotel in UK followed by a stint each with cruise liners and a bulk production unit Saudi Arabia – till he finally logged into Holiday Inn Kochi.


This March, in the Kerala Culinary Expo held at Kochi, Senthil lapped up two Gold and a Silver Medal for being the Best Chef of the event. A  Gold Medal for the Best Pastry Chef, another Gold Medal and a Trophy for the Best Chef and a Silver Medal for the novelty cake presentation. It was really a proud moment for the Chef Brigade of Holiday Inn Kochi. (See the group picture).



Chef Senthil draws his inspiration from his family. He is married to Renjini - a nurse by profession. Senthil and Renjini were friends since schooldays. He is blessed with a son - Arjun, who is two years old.


Text and Pictures: R Kesava Mallia in Kochi 

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