Archipelago International, the largest hotel management company in Southeast Asia, successfully held the Black Box Battle on August 15, 2023 at Favehotel Sidoarjo. This leading cooking competition was participated by 16 top F&B leaders and 17 Executive Chefs from the East Java region.
Participants are required to create extraordinary dishes within a limited time using secret food ingredients and spices provided in the mysterious black box. This competition presents a fresh and more challenging challenge for participants, especially Archipelago’s chefs in the East Java region. The chefs are free to craft the secret ingredients into various creations that inspired them, ranging from traditional to international dishes.
The winner of the Food Battle category was won by Chef Gelar Adhi Wibowo from Aston Mojokerto Hotel & Conference Center, claiming the Charles Brookfield Trophy. The second place was achieved by Chef Subadri from Aston Madiun Hotel & Conference Center, awarded the John Flood Trophy. The third place was clinched by Chef Denny Yosseano from Quest Hotel Darmo Surabaya, earning the Favorite Winner Trophy.
The winner of the Beverage Battle category is Agustina Sabrina from Aston Mojokerto Hotel & Conference Center, achieving 1st place and winning the Charles Brookfield Trophy. Diah Novita from favehotel Malang secured 2nd place and received the John Flood Trophy, while Tresnaji from Aston Madiun Hotel & Conference Center emerged as the 3rd place winner, earning the Favorite Winner title. On this occasion, this Black Box Battle was also won by female participant for the first time in 2023.
“We are incredibly excited to host the 3rd Black Box Battle. This program serves to explore and celebrate the creativity, as well dedication of our culinary experts especially Chefs in the East Java region, while also acknowledging their talents in the F&B industry. Furthermore, it provides an opportunity to promote the cuisine of East Java,” stated Winston Hanes, Vice President of Operations.
