With the Time Out Young Chef awards just around the corner, we thought it high time we paid tribute to some of the best female cooks whipping up a culinary storm in the city’s finest restaurants
Abu Dhabians are spoilt for choice when it comes to eating well. Venues and varied cuisines are plentiful and, more often than not, the experience is positive. In the kitchens of these great eateries some very impressive ladies have managed to create a name for themselves in a male- dominated industry. We spoke to three brilliant chefs who are adding their own unique flavour to the Abu Dhabi dining scene.
Michéle Müller: Chef de cuisine at The Beach House, Park Hyatt Hotel and Villas
Hailing from Berlin, Germany, Michéle began her career at the age of 16, after exhibiting a strong passion for cooking. She can currently be found preparing a wealth of fresh Mediterranean-style dishes and tapas.
What would you say is your favourite part of being a chef in the capital?
I have always been one of the few lady chefs, whether in Germany, Italy or the Middle East. In The Beach House, I interact a lot with our guests and my favourite part about it is their reaction when they see me for the first time. It makes me laugh every time I notice their surprised faces [when] a blonde, happy lady walks over in a chef’s uniform carrying their dishes. I enjoy proving that single women can live a successful life in a male-dominated profession here in the UAE.
What is the weirdest comment you’ve received from a customer?
A guest walked up to me because she had read an article about me along with my picture in a German magazine. She’d even brought along the magazine to show me and then took a picture with me to show her friends back home! That was funny and a great compliment at the same time.
Do you find other chefs in the city are helpful or competitive?
It’s always nice to meet other chefs and to hear their stories. You do actually meet all different types of chefs, especially in this region, such as private chefs working for royalty. I find that very interesting.
Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas, Saadiyat Island (02 407 1234).
Nelly Grossi: Chef at Spaccanapoli Crowne Plaza
Swiss-born Nelly is just 22 and already making her mark.
What is your favourite part about being a chef in the city?
I’m enjoying the experience. There is a lot of competition here but it’s really fresh and new.
What is your favourite dish to prepare and why?
I really enjoy making desserts. Making pastries and working with chocolate is actually a brilliant part of my job!
What is the weirdest comment that you’ve ever received from a customer?
People are surprised by my age. It seems that I’m young for my role.
Do you find other chefs in the city helpful or competitive?
There definitely is a lot of competition here, but I feel that I have a very good team and they are supportive. We always discuss the menu and I think the result of the collaboration is very positive.
Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi, Hamdan Street (02 616 6261).
Paritha Sandee: Chef at Silk & Spice in Sofitel
Born in Lampang, Thailand, Paritha began cooking in 1991 at the Grand Hyatt in Bangkok. In 1996, she taught students about Thai cuisine in Brunei. She has worked in diverse locations such as Germany, Jordan and Chile.
What is your favourite part about being a chef in Abu Dhabi?
I am proud to be a chef in the Gulf region where the guests wouldn’t expect to see a lady working in the kitchen. It gives me a lot of joy to see my diners enjoying the food I make.
What is your favourite dish to prepare and why?
Phad Thai goong [stir-fried noodles with tamarind sauce and grilled prawns] because the dish is simple and tasty.
What is the weirdest comment you’ve received from a customer?
Once, guests who had been to Thailand asked if I could do Thai dancing because they’d seen it before!
Do you find other chefs in the city are helpful or competitive?
I’m fortunate that I know some other chefs in the city. We try to help one another as we share ideas through our menus. We may be competitors but each of us has their own distinct ways of preparing dishes to appeal to our guests.
Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche, Al Markaziyah (02 813 7777).
