(Press Release by MFPoblete)
The newest addition to the Seda Centrio family is an accomplished chef who brings with him world class experiences.
Chef Malek El Safadi is well-versed in the culinary world. In fact, he shares his knowledge and expertise through the many culinary art mentorships he has done (and continues to do). Apart from his stint as the Corporate Executive Chef for renowned hotels here and abroad, Chef Malek also spent nine years (1989 to 1998) with The King of Saudi Arabia, serving as General Head Chef and Nutrition Consultant for His Royal Highness.
Passion for Culinary Arts
Born on January 24 in Alieh, Beirut, Chef Malek completed his BS in Agriculture Engineering at the University of Santo Tomas in 1985. A year later, he found himself at the Lebanon School of Culinary Arts, where he eventually finished his HRM degree, with a major in Massive Food Caterings. Not one to easily rest on his laurels, Chef Malek went to the Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation in Lucena for his Hotels & Restaurant Management studies.
After completing the course in 1997, he continued his quest for knowledge and excellence. From 1997 to 1998, Chef Malek was at The Culinary Institute of America, where he eventually completed his training for Fine Dining.
While in training, Chef Malek was also working. He had stints at MGM in Las Vegas and even shared his culinary skills while training at the Taj Mahal in India. Training as an International Corporate Executive Chef, he said, means allowing yourself to be “involved in all the flavors of the world”. Thus, Chef Malek took every opportunity to learn and grow in his chosen field.
One of the reasons for Chef Malek’s successful culinary journey is his passion and love for culinary arts. This is evident in his quest for continuous knowledge even when he is already considered one of the best. This determination and willgness to learn and do better is what helped Chef Malek carve a respectable image in the international culinary field.
Training People to Provide Excellent Service
Chef Malek. (Photo by Vincent Tom Udasco)
Aside from his stints as Corporate Executive Chef and Director of Food & Beverage of world class hotels and resorts, Chef Malek was also consultant and trainer for different hotels in the Makati CBD.
Chef Malek believes that providing excellent service does not only mean serving the best dishes. Excellent service means offering the most comfortable rooms, first class amenities, good public relations, and everything else that a hotel or restaurant can offer. This is why the training and consultancy work he does is essential in helping achieve an establishment’s goals.
Bringing Interesting International Flavors to CDO
Chef Malek comes from a culinary family that owns a chain of restaurants. So his passion for creating unique dishes is understandable. As his training and specialty is whipping up international culinary masterpieces, this is what he brings to Cagayan de Oro as he starts his journey as the newest chef for Seda Centrio’s Misto.
Misto is known for its exceptional buffets and culinary specials. It is one of the few hotels in the city that offers fresh treats using the most natural (organic) ingredients. This makes Misto the perfect venue for Chef Malek to flex his culinary muscles.
“My specialties are dishes from all the Arab countries, and Italian cuisine. We’ll be having authentic Shawarma here at Misto. This will be on the new menu.” And yes, there will be pizza; but it will be different from the usual,” he teases. “I produce everything from scratch. Our pizza does not use ready-made sauce. We also have hamburgers, but I do not use extenders on them. There is no artificial flavor (MSG) in my dishes.”
Chef Malek follows a strict procedure when cooking, one that keeps the dishes fresh and tasty. His entrees are always oozing with colors and flavors. A colorful meal is important because, according to the chef, “The eyes always eat first before the mouth.”
This is what diners at Misto will experience every time they indulge in a culinary treat at the hotel. Chef Malek and his team will prepare an array of local and international fusion dishes for Seda Centrio’s themed buffets. Some of these treats include the Chicken Salad with three different lettuce types, all organic, and with freshly made dressing; and a unique salmon dish. Each is designed to cater to the varying choices of diners, so you’re sure to have an unforgettable culinary experience at Seda!
Experience the colorful, inviting, and mouthwatering culinary masterpieces of Chef Malek, including Arabic, Italian and local with a twist. Visit Misto at Seda Centrio now. For inquiries and reservations, you can call (088) 3238888 or 0917-577 5910. Who knows? If you get there early, you might even meet the good chef!
mimaiscribblesCDO 