Food and Beverage is the best thing that has ever happened to me- Chef Jerson Fernandes wins another award for Novotel Juhu at the India Food and Beverage awards.

Chef jerson with chef Harpal Singh Sokhi (1).JPG

Chef Jerson with Chef Harpal Sokhi and Chef Ajay Chopra.jpg

Chef Jerson Fernandes, indubitably Accor India’s most decorated chef was yet again awarded another award- the India food and Beverage awards by FBAI (Food Bloggers Association of India) held at Jio world center- BKC, Mumbai on the 14th of July for his contribution and excellence in the food and beverage industry in the 5-star hotel category.

A master at F&B concepts and someone who believes in serving an experience rather than mere food have exceeded the expectations of all his guests, bloggers, and influencers when it comes to curating some of the best dining experiences at Novotel Juhu which proudly boasts of its 6 unique and interesting Food and Beverage outlets. His passion and love for food and beverage are simply second to none. Chef Jerson Fernandes is the Executive chef of Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach and believes there is only one boss- the guest!

The delight of receiving an excellence award amidst the countless operational challenges that the hospitality industry navigated over the past two years is accompanied by a combination of celebration for both, the recipient – as indicative of the standards of professionalism and positive hospitality, and for the brand; reinvigorating differentiation and leadership! He was also awarded the best Executive chef of the year 2021 by Hotelier India in Dec 2021 and The Best Chef of the year 2022 by food Connoisseurs awards in March 2022.

He was also awarded and felicitated at the South Asia Accor Awards Ceremony at Pullman New Delhi Aerocity, Chef Jerson Fernandes is .known for creating culinary experiences that obscure the boundaries between food and art, curating menus that reflect fresh tastes, mastery of diversity, and delighting guests through every interaction.

Accor has been a culture of recognition, where each employee is valued in their career journeys, and encouraged to be proactive in professional self-development. While our masterpiece performances or endeavors may be their own reward; the acknowledgment of the fruits of one’s efforts and intentions from great leaders such as Mr. Puneet Dhawan- Sr. Vice President of Operations, India and South Asia, and Mr. Gorav Arora- General Manager of Novotel Juhu helps reveal the secret of our individual capabilities and competencies, passion for service and achievement and the admirable flavors of ingredients: our harmonious team.

The exclusivity of delivering personalized guest experiences has necessitated Chef Jerson’s potential to inspire newer gastronomic creations to suit a multiplicity of palates; whilst remaining true to the simplicity and authenticity of flavors, cuisines, embracing the unexplored, revolutionizing perceptions, and multi-sensory encounters

In the words of Chef Jerson, “ This recognition and appreciation by FBAI for the Food and beverage Awards in the best Hotel Chef Category, 2022 reinforces my learning agility and personal discovery and strengthens my emotional connect and investment with the Accor values. I have always believed, that there is only one boss- the guest! ”

Expressing his happiness at the achievement, Gorav Arora, the General Manager of Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach, said, "I am extremely proud of Chef Jerson's commitment to hospitality and his personalization of service; vibrancy in food and beverage offerings and being an inspiration to team members."

The Executive Chef of Mumbai’s iconic Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach, Chef Jerson Fernandes, has been recognized by Guinness world record holder and Padma Shree Dr. T.P Lahane for his valuable contribution to the culinary field on 6th March 2022 at Nehru Art’s Centre, Worli.

Passionate about his profession, Chef Jerson is a stalwart in integrating innovative ways of art and the science of cooking. He strongly believes that food is an experience, and what is cherished is more than just a menu or a restaurant, it is creating gastronomical delight in every experience through a blend of intrinsic flavors, local touch, and creative plating.

Another recognition of Chef Jerson’s outstanding performance, is his being awarded the prestigious Executive Chef of the Year Award at the Hotelier India Awards 2021 in the upscale to the mid-market segment. The award is a testament to his high standard of professionalism, being a catalyst in driving change in the hospitality industry and aspiring young professionals to follow their dreams and always aim higher.

Speaking on this achievement, Chef Jerson, Executive Chef, Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach, adds, “I am extremely honored and humbled to receive this recognition from Padma Shree Dr. T.P Lahane who himself holds a Guinness world record for the highest number of successful cataract surgeries. While I reflect on my journey, I believe preserving tradition, creating health and sustainable food menus, combined with variation has helped me achieve change in this space. I would like to take the opportunity to thank my mentors, colleagues, team, support staff and so many other who have encouraged me to follow my aspirations. 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.”

Chef Jerson’s career has garnered multiple accolades, including holding the Guinness World Record for the largest number of bread varieties in 2020. He has worked with several Accor properties, namely, Novotel Goa Dona Sylvia Resort, Novotel Hyderabad Airport, and Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre and has also been associated with P&O Cruises, Taj Hotels, Marriott Hotels and Los Angeles based Berggruen (Keys) Hotel. When not in the kitchen, Chef Jerson enjoys capturing moments and different food aspects through photography.

He is passionate about travelling in search of great food.

Gorav Arora, General Manager, Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach, said, “We are truly proud of Chef Jerson and his remarkable efforts in spearheading change and innovation in the Food and Beverage space. His eagerness and willingness to constantly learn and implement new ideas to enhance dining and change the perspective of a regular meal into a memorable culinary experience, is what sets him apart. We are grateful for his immense contribution to our hotel and along with the entire team congratulate him on his achievement.”