Melbourne-based chef wins Hyatt’s ‘Good Taste’ competition in Asia

Vernon Rego, chef de partie for Events at Grand Hyatt Melbourne has emerged champion in the Asia Pacific edition of The Good Taste Series competition, organised by the Hyatt hotels. The annual competition is a testament to Hyatt's commitment to culinary excellence and creativity. It is open to anyone from line cooks to executive sous chefs working in Hyatt hotels globally. 

"Hyatt has enjoyed the reputation of being a leader in food and beverage. Our secret sauce to success is to foster a nurturing environment where we develop and recognise our chefs through a stimulating platform that sparks their creativity," said Andreas Stalder, senior vice-president, food and beverage operations and product development, Asia Pacific at Hyatt. 

This year, the competition drew 631 chefs from 72 Hyatt hotels and resorts in 12 countries in the Asia Pacific. They competed in rigorous regional contests for the coveted opportunity to showcase their culinary chops on an international stage. Hyatt said the 2019 Asia Pacific final featured eight contestants — an increase from previous years, as there were three contestants representing mainland China, which accounts for almost half of Hyatt's portfolio in the fast-growing region. 

Rego won top marks from the judges with his two creations: An appetizer of confit salmon, soffritto, fennel and orange and a main course of chicken, apricot, hazelnut and spice carrot. "This has been an incredible experience where I have been able to challenge myself and play with my ideas for new dishes and flavours. Coming this far in this highly regarded competition has been an amazing journey and a career highlight for me," he said. "I look forward to the next stage in the global final, meeting my fellow Hyatt competitors and seeing how we all challenge each other in this supportive environment."

Rego, together with runners-up Daichi Kondo, chef de partie at The Grill in Hyatt Regency Kyoto, and Mark Zaragoza, chef de cuisine at The Cellar in Grand Hyatt Manila, will represent the company's Asia Pacific region in the global final held in Abu Dhabi in March 2020.