The Executive Chef  of the Year awards represent the magnum opus of fine dining interactive  experiences and is the most challenging to achieve, with the majority of the culinarians having to consistently establish innovative ways of the art and science of cooking.  

Having embraced opportunities spanning the Accor, P&O cruises, Taj Hotels, Berggruen (Keys), Ritz Carlton- Marriott Hotels,  the 13 years in the world of tradition, history and creativity in cuisines  has earned Chef Jerson  the  reputation of transforming and delivering  exceptional guest experiences. Chef Jerson Fernandes,  fondly known as CJ has been conferred with the Executive Chef of the Year Award at the Hotelier India Awards 2021 in the Upscale to Mid-Market segment (Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach), for his key role in a better food future. 

The jubilant Jerson says, “Awards and Honours are recognition of the notable  efforts and the impacts that professionals have on our sectors, both, for the present and the future. In our day, more than ever it is important to reward and inspire innovation and inventiveness, as we, the community, work together with resilience and ensure that inspiring narratives and stories are shared, as trailblazers.”

Chef Jerson’s contribution of integrating the contemporary and progressive  with the classic is the epitome of hours of experimentation and purpose.  He has been heralded for his culinary prowess by the Honourable Mayor of Mumbai, Kishori Pednekar  on 27th December 2021. The appreciation and recognition aims not only to honour the high standards of professionalism but serves to create opportunities for aspiring professionals to lead as vision builders, catalysts for change, influencers and rising achievers. He extends his sincere gratitude to the management of Accor and Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach for providing him with an opportunity and platform to showcase his skills and talent.

Food is an experience, and what is treasured and cherished is more than a menu, and the restaurant, the ambience and quality produce, but the demonstration and marvel  of the integrity and reflection of the locale to create the spectacular. Chef Jerson’s immediate endeavor is to render  these events as the focal point of signature performances, and unify India’s diverse culinary landscape with the intangible aspects of culture and heritage through his food plating’s at the various restaurants of Novotel Juhu where he believes in serving all his guests a dining experience of a lifetime, rather than just mere great food.

Being honoured and humbled by the Distinguished Award, I have and am  continually  rewarded with  leaders, employers, front-runners, colleagues, mentors, administrators and support staff who assist me in spearheading projects ranging from preserving traditions, to balancing health and sustainable food menus, championing under-represented menus through photography, and chronicling culinary memoirs. 

Reflecting on the memorable journey, the award is monumental in further  exploring my career path, aligning my future actions through a  collaborative transformation in 2022, where tenacity  and originality  will shape the future of gastronomy. 

The General Manager of Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach, Gorav Arora said that he is immensely honored to have Chef Jerson create a legacy based on his strong devotion and commitment to food. “My respect and admiration for the brands culinary offerings and beverage concepts has enthused me to bring in a new wave of verve and vigor to the iconic neighborhood of Juhu and to the city of Mumbai”.