Kevin Cherkas
Canadian chef and owner of Cuca Restaurant in Bali, Indonesia (born 1978)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Kevin Cherkas (born January 15, 1978, in Vancouver) is a Canadian chef and owner of Cuca Restaurant in Bali, Indonesia.
Kevin Cherkas | |
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| Born | 15 January 1978 Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada |
| Education | Culinary arts |
| Alma mater | Vancouver Community College |
| Culinary career | |
| Cooking style | Western cuisine |
Current restaurant
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Previous restaurants
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Award won | |
Education
Cherkas graduated with a degree in culinary arts from Vancouver Community College in 1999 and in 2001 obtained his Red Seal Chef certification.[2]
Career
Cherkas started his professional career as an apprentice in Metropolitan Hotel in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. After 3 years he moved to New York City to work at the "Daniel" by Chef Daniel Boulud.[3] In 2003, Cherkas moved to Spain and worked as a cook-trainee in Michelin 3 star "Arzak" in San Sebastián,[2] La Broche, 2 Michelin Stars in Madrid, Spain and elBulli in Roses, Spain.[4]
In 2006, Cherkas moved to Malaysia, where he helmed restaurant "Lafite" in Shangri-La Hotel, Kuala Lumpur.[5]
After two years being a pioneer in Molecular gastronomy in Kuala Lumpur,[6] Cherkas was appointed as Chef de Cuisine of "Blu’, the fine dining restaurant of Shangri-La Hotel Singapore.[7] In 2011, Cherkas was invited to present at Madrid Fusion.[8] He was also asked to be a keynote speaker at Food Hospitality Asia (2012) and World Gourmet Summit in 2010[9] and 2012.[10]
In 2012, he left Shangri-la Hotels and together with his wife and partner Virginia Entizne opened his own restaurant called "Cuca" in Jimbaran, Bali in July 2013.[11] They serve unique tapas, cocktails and desserts and their focus on local produce has awarded them the Snail of Approval certification by Slow Food.[12][13]
In 2016, Cherkas was invited to present at Madrid Fusion Manila.[14]
Awards
- Confrérie de la Chaîne des Rôtisseurs National Competition- Silver medal in 2003[15]
- Confrérie de la Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Regional Competition- Gold medal in 2003[15]
- Bocuse d'Or: Canadian apprentice representative- 5th place in 2001
- USA Chicago Culinary Salon Team Canada member- Gold medal in 2001
- Karl Sheir apprentice Culinary Competition- Gold medal in 2001
- B.C. chefs Association Hot Culinary Competition- 3 Gold medals in 2000[16]
- Vancouver Culinary Salon - 2 Gold medals in 1999
- Thomas J. Lipton Achievement Culinary Arts Scholarship in 1996