Chef brings two stars to bear for disciples of restaurant profession

Food, fun and friends: that might sound like the slogan of a fast-food chain, but it also describes Tuesday's Disciples Escoffier dinner at the Hyatt Regency in Tsim Sha Tsui. The local branch of the international culinary association celebrated its first anniversary and welcomed a gang of new members. Each was presented with a sash and knighted using a giant ladle.

The dinner was a five-course spread created by French chef Emile Jung (centre), who has two Michelin stars. 'Having seen Chinese chefs cook, I have to say they really appreciate beauty and taste,' Jung said. 'In France, we have the same goal. There really is no difference in the cuisines, only in language.'

The night was a chance for restaurant professionals to relax and renew some rivalries before the World Cup. Goccia's Fabrizio Napolitano hassled a French counterpart, Laurent Pousse of Saison Food, about this year's tournament, and Pousse replied 'we owe you one of these' while imitating a headbutt.

What most excited president Jaakko Sorsa (of Finds) and secretary general Oyvind Naesheim (Nobu) was the imminent opening of the Miele training centre to develop more top chefs. 'It will be opening in August and we're excited to host our chef talks and training of young chefs there,' Jaakko (right) said.

Oyvind (left) added: 'We're passionate about giving back.' Unfortunately, Oyvind will likely relinquish his title shortly, as he's leaving to help open a Nobu in Beijing. 'Yeah, he's left it all in my hands. I can do the kitchen any way I want,' said Jaakko.

The Macau chapter will present chef Jung's dinner at Horizons in the Crown Towers at City of Dreams tomorrow (1,688 patacas). Info: (853) 8868 6636.