Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort Proudly Announces its Winners of the Masters of the Craft Competition, Showcasing Exceptional Talent in Culinary and Mixology!
After a two-year hiatus, Marriott International’s Masters of the Craft, a renowned culinary and beverage competition, returned with a spectacular showcase of talent from Marriott Bonvoy portfolio hotels. The competition was designed to foster creativity and innovation while highlighting exceptional chefs and bartenders within the company’s food and beverage community. Over the past three months, 800 aspiring culinarians and beverage professionals from 80 Marriott properties competed in exhilarating local and regional Masters of the Craft competitions, proving their culinary prowess through quick-fire cooking and mixology challenges. Each contestant faced timed, rapid-fire competitions, skillfully incorporating a mystery ingredient into signature dishes or cocktails, judged based on technique, creativity, and taste.
“This competition not only showcases the amazing talent within our hotels and restaurants, granting our associates bragging rights in their kitchen or bar, but also inspires the next generation of rising culinary and beverage stars while emphasizing the incredible opportunities for a rewarding food and beverage career within Marriott.”
The Masters of the Craft competition brought together exceptional participants at Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort in both the culinary and bartender category: Participating bartenders:
- Ishra Kelkboom: 9 years as a cocktail bartender at SOLE, striving to create memorable experiences.
- Omida Lounex: 5 years in the industry, 4 months as a waiter & bartender at SOLE. He loves what he does, evident in every drink and conversation shared.
- Israel Watanabe: 4 years in the industry, 2 years as a mixologist at L.G. Smith’s Steak & Chop House, known for his playful and creative approach, captivating guests with his cocktail trolley show.
- Borut Perse: 16 years in the industry, 2 1/2 years at Renaissance Island, enjoying crafting beverages that harmoniously pair with food creations.
Participating in the culinary category is:
- Boro Dimbeswar: 13 years in the industry, 2 years as Demi de Partie at Renaissance Aruba, with a passion for fine dining and local cuisine.
- Ronny Martinez: 10 years in the industry, 1 year as Junior Sous Chef at Renaissance Island, delighting in surprising guests, creating memorable moments, and engaging through his
culinary creations. - Gaurav Saklani: 11 years in the industry, 2 years as Chef de Partie, appreciating diverse cuisines from various cultures and enjoying fulfilling guests’ special requests.
- Errol Williams: 17 years in the industry, 5 years as Chef de Cuisine at L.G. Smith’s Steak & Chop House, finding immense satisfaction in witnessing the result of each food creation.
For the Pastry Category participated:
- Nohemy Ruiz: 5 years in the industry, 4 months as Pastry Cook at Renaissance Aruba, finding true joy in the kitchen.
- Arvind Singh: 12 years in the industry, 1 year as Chef de Partie at Renaissance Aruba, embracing a unique experience every day in the bakery world.
The competition followed strict rules for both beverage and culinary categories, ensuring fair judging and impressive outcomes. We are delighted to announce the outstanding winners of the Masters of the Craft Competition at Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort! The culinary winner is: Ronny Martinez; Junior Sous chef at Renaissance Island The pastry winner is: Arvind Singh; Chef de Partie at Renaissance Convention Center The beverage winner is: Borut Perse; Bartender at Renaissance Island These exceptional talents have truly showcased their mastery in culinary arts and mixology, impressing the judges and leaving a lasting impression on everyone present. Congratulations to all the Renaissance Aruba winners and participants for their dedication, creativity, and unwavering passion for their craft!
