Beiruting News

The European round of the World Pastry Cup's 2016 edition takes place at the forthcoming Sirha exhibition at the Palexpo in Geneva on the 24^th of January 2016.

Going head-to-head with first class pastry chefs from Belgium, Spain, Denmark, Denmark, Switzerland, Sweden, Russia and Turkey, Lebanon will be represented by Pierre Abi Hayla, pastry chef consultant and owner of Le Noir Atelier Du Chocolat and Mohamad Haidar, pastry chef of Le Royal Hotels and Resorts Beirut. Presiding over the team, celebrity chef and industry expert, Charles Azar, has been responsible for helping train the duo for the event where they will have five hours to prepare a selection of dessert items including a chocolate and sugar showpiece and a frozen-fruit creation.

Judged on skill, precision and the taste of their handiwork, the top-three ranking teams will progress to the grand final of the World Pastry Cup, to be held in Lyon in 2017.

This year marks Azar's fourth participation in the competition, helping the Lebanese team reach an unprecedented fifth place in the world in 2005. "It's always an honor to represent Lebanon and I'm not concerned as I know we can do it. It's just about preparation and remaining calm under pressure," said Azar.

Abi Hayla and Haidar's selection for the Coupe du Monde de la Patisserie and Azar's appointment as team captain, comes following previous successes at HORECA Lebanon, the region's leading hospitality and foodservice trade show. Organized by Hospitality Services sarl, the 23^rd edition of the competition takes place from the 5^th to the 8^th of April 2016 at BIEL exhibition center.