Chefs Unlimited: Culinary excellence across the globe

Chefs Unlimited is much more than a program; it is a community dedicated to culinary excellence. Indeed, the local seminars aim to develop skills, foster innovation, and share expertise, while upholding the highest standards of gastronomy.

United Kingdom: Two Chefs Unlimited sessions already completed

In October 2025, the Chefs Unlimited program reached a major milestone in the United Kingdom with the integration of three new talents: Anthony Desouza (LHR), Mathew Puthan Pukracal (MAN), and Greg Smith (LGW).

The first session focused on culinary trends, mastering preparation techniques, and product knowledge. The chefs also attended theoretical workshops on key topics such as Winrest, recipe writing, menu design, and production techniques. A highlight of the day was the presentation by the European supplier Die Raucherei, an expert in smoked fish, featuring a virtual tour of its facilities.

The second workshop took place in mid-November. Chefs Anthony, Mathew, and Greg gathered at Newrest’s partner butcher near the London Heathrow kitchens, alongside Tom Abbott (Group Executive Chef), Jim Chatwin (UK Executive Chef), and Andy Bailey (Development Chef London Gatwick).

On the agenda:

Morning briefing with Chris Burnham (London Meat Company)
QHSSE presentation on Non-Negotiables, knife safety, and allergen control, led by Lyabosola Miedzianowska (QHSSE Manager)
Visit of Halal and Non-Halal processing flows to observe quality and hygiene standards
Butchery masterclass with “Butcher Bobby,” an expert since 1966, demonstrating the cutting of lamb, veal, chicken, and guinea fowl

In the United Kingdom, the program spans eight months, during which the chefs will design, cost, and execute a six-course VIP dinner for a prestigious audience composed of Newrest management, suppliers, and airline representatives.

Chefs Unlimited Angola: Culinary passion serving training

Newrest Angola has officially launched the Chefs Unlimited program. To mark this occasion, a tasting session was organized for the COMEX by local chefs.

In Angola, the program is led by Michel Nitcheu, Executive Chef, whose experience spans onshore and offshore sites across Africa. With a background in high-end hospitality, notably within Hilton hotels, a specialization in cuisine and pastry, and more than seven years with Newrest in Congo, Cameroon, Madagascar, and Angola, Michel Nitcheu perfectly embodies the expertise and mentoring spirit that define Chefs Unlimited.

Culinary innovation: Six Turkish chefs elevate fish and meat

A meeting was organized with Turkish chefs in the kitchens of Unilever Food Solutions in Istanbul. Under the leadership of Country Executive Chef Selçuk Avcı, six chefs showcased their expertise during a culinary workshop.

The main ingredient of this session was protein. The chefs prepared dishes of their choice using salmon, sea bass, ribeye, and beef tenderloin. Roasted sea bass with red onion and rosemary, grilled beef tenderloin with tropical sauce… Each creation stood out for its quality and originality. The chefs presented and explained their dishes to the attendees before the tasting.

The session continued with the introduction of new products and recipes developed by the Unilever Food Solutions team. The Country Executive Chef and the chefs then evaluated these products, exchanging views on future collaboration opportunities.

Chefs Unlimited France: Official launch in Toulouse

On Monday, November 24, 2025, the ten chefs selected to represent France gathered at the Toulouse premises for the official launch of the Chefs Unlimited France program.

The agenda included a meeting of the chefs, official photo sessions, and discussions on upcoming workshops and projects that will take place across France, followed by a convivial dinner with the Newrest Restauration France teams.

This day marks the beginning of numerous exciting projects that will allow the chefs to explore France.

The Chefs Unlimited France participants are Romain Mir, Jérôme Montaignac, Jonathan Hugon, Thomas Marais, Vincent Paulmier, Romane Pouchoy-Borettaz, Thomas Lorthioir, Christophe Labate, Florian Geraudin, and Patrice Lepeltier.

Culinary creativity serving sustainability at Newrest Brazil!

At the end of November 2025, Newrest brought together Brazil’s top chefs for a culinary competition highlighting local fruits and vegetables.

The challenge? Impress the jury with vegetarian and vegan dishes combining flavor, texture, and presentation, while showcasing the culinary expertise of the teams.

The twist: each chef discovered a “mystery box” on the morning of the event and had to prepare a hot dish and a starter within a limited time. One golden rule: zero waste!

The chefs pushed the boundaries of creativity, even flambéing julienned banana peels with cachaça. Colors, ideas, and flavors were remarkable, illustrating the richness of Brazilian products.

First edition of Chefs Unlimited in Costa Rica: Ten chefs take on the burger challenge

Newrest Costa Rica hosted its first Chefs Unlimited event at the Aeris restaurant in Juan Santamaria-San Jose Airport: a burger competition showcasing culinary innovation. A major constraint was imposed: each recipe had to comply with a predefined budget.

Ten chefs from Newrest Costa Rica (B&I and Inflight) rose to the challenge with originality and expertise. Clients present attended every stage of the competition.

Each chef presented their creation to a jury composed of three members: B&I Chef Paula Hernandez, Newrest Purchasing Director Yamileth Serna, and a representative from the Aeris group.

At the end of the competition, two chefs stood out: Dennia Chavarría, Inflight Chef from the Liberia station, with a score of 93%, and Keylor Rojas, B&I Chef at Philips, with 95%. These two winners will represent Costa Rica at the Chefs Unlimited LATAM semi-final in Santiago, Chile.

The year 2025 is coming to an end, marked by local workshops rich in sharing and creativity. This dynamic will continue in 2026, with Newrest chefs determined to push the boundaries of culinary excellence worldwide.

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