This is my first time attending the Malaysia Best Sommelier Championship 2013 and was uncertain what to expect from the championship but what was known that the semi finals was held at a closed door event and we are only able to view the Grand Finals. Organized by Sommelier Association of Malaysia (SOMLAY in short), has choosen Double Tree Hilton, KL as the battleground for the candidates. A quick check with Mr Zulikernain of Hilton KL who is also one of the participant of the Championship, mentioned that the first round consists of theory, tasting and face to face Q&A with the judges. From the result, the judges would then choose the top 3 to the finals.
Mr. Jean Luc Pouteau
This year judges line up consists of :-
Mr Jean Luc Pouteau-Chief Judge (France)
Head Sommelier and Wine Buyer/Purchaser for Pavillion de l' Elysee
Best Sommelier of France 1976
Best Sommelier of the World 1983
Mr Edwin Soo (Singapore)
Wine Educator, Columnist for Appetite Magazine & Malaysian Star Newspaper, Restaurant Reviewer for Peak Selections and the Hospitality Asia Platinum Awards.
Mr Fernando Salas (Chile)
Second Secretary, Deputy Head of Mission and Commercial Director for the Embassy of Chile to Malaysia.
Mr Gregoire Debree (France)
Director of SOPEXA for South East Asia & Taiwan since 2009
Key involvement in South East Asia Best Sommelier Competition for 2009, 2010 and 2011.
Mr John Cheah (Malaysia)
Wine lecturer for SOPEXA from 1991 till 2006 in Hong Kong and Taiwan
Wine judge in Hong Kong, Melbourne and Tokyo Challenges
The 13 sommeliers
Based on the results, the top 3 was annouced and the candidates would have to go through a series of challenges in front of a a group of live audiences.
The top 3 announced was
Han Yew Kong, Head Sommelier, Osteria Mozza, Marina Bay Sands, Singapore
Britt Ng Choong Yoon, Assistant Sommelier, Marina Bay Sands, Singapore
Steven Lim Chin Hong, General Manager, Thirty Two @ The Mansion, Penang
Britt Ng Choong Yoon, Assistant Sommelier, Marina Bay Sands, Singapore
Steven Lim Chin Hong, General Manager, Thirty Two @ The Mansion, Penang
Each candidate was given 5-10 minutes for each tasks and for this year there were 5 tasks. The tasks begins with serving of a glass of rose and prosecco to a lady and gentleman, followed by serving an agrd red wines to a table of six, to correct mistake on a wine list, to taste and describe 6 different liquids and finally to identify wine growing region and country from a series of wine labels showed on screen. For more detailed explaination on the tasks, please do not hessitate to visit LeVin et La Femme ( http://www.vinfemme.com/?p=2764)
After the intense and exhausting tasks and a short break, the winner was finally announced and it was none other than Mr. Han Yew Kong and runner up was Mr Brit Ng Choong Yoon.
It was indeed an eye opening event :) Both Han and Brit would be representing Malaysia in South East Asia Best Sommelier Championship 2013 scheduled to be held on 25th & 26th August 2013 in Singapore.
In conjuction with the championship, a gala dinner was organized later that evening. Much welcomed actually to celebrate the occassion, Thumb ups ! to the SOMLAY organizing committee for the dinner.Ladies & Gentleman, presenting to you the MENU for the night!
Appetizer
Prawns tossesd with lemon-herb vinaigrette served with mango thai style salad
2011 Montenovo Godello, Valdeorras, Spain
Entree
Creme of Butternut Squash
With house smoked duck breast and cinnamon grissini
2008 Mas Du Soleilla Reserve Blanc, Languedoc-La Clape, France
Main Course
Pan-Roasted Norwegian Salmon
Accompanied with sweet potato gratin, medley of vegetables and red pepper coulis
2008 Misha Vineyard's The High Note Pinot Noir, Central Otago, New Zealand
Dessert
Vanilla Panna Cotta
Served with strawberry moelleux and mango-passion fruit jelly
Coffee or Tea
Indeed it was a great way to spend a Sunday. A big Congratulations to Han and Brit! Makes us proud in August 2013.FYI, the previous 3 years champion for the South East Asia Best Sommelier Compettion has been won by the Malaysian candidates. Hence we would have high hope on both Han and Brit! Salud!
Sommelier Association of Malaysia
No:130, Jalan Kasah, Damansara Heights, 50490 Kuala
Lumpur, Malaysia
e-mail: committee@somlay.org or somlayinfo@gmail.com
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