13th National Salon Culinaire of the ECA

American businesswoman Mary Kay Ash is quoted as saying: “There are two things people want more than luxury and money… recognition and education”. I’m not sure if this is true, but there’s no doubt that recognition and education is an important part of what keeps people striving for excellence and contributing towards making their environment, their workplace and their industry a better place.

Within the chef fraternity, I believe there is a need to recognise the people who consistently and, without any consideration of how much of their personal time they give up, contribute to the betterment of our industry. These are people who go above and beyond the call of duty; people whose commitment to excellence is unwavering; people who can be called upon to provide their expertise and knowledge; people who have helped make the industry what it is today. There are many criteria according to which the great leaders, and great achievers, could be recognised. They may not necessarily be in senior positions – they may simply have achieved great things for our industry or made great strides in setting benchmarks in the culinary arena.

There are many unsung heroes in our industry and I invite you to participate in the 10th ECA Salon Culinaire to become one of them and being recognised. I’d also like to take this opportunity to encourage you to come and learn, network and join in a meeting of great minds at this year’s Salon Culinaire which is scheduled for June 29, 2010.

With this in mind, the ECA is holding its 13th National Salon Culinaire this year and I’m very honoured to be able to join in the activities and pass on some valuable knowledge in the process.



Chef Martin Kobald
Honorary President SA Chefs Association
Chairman WACS Marketing & Communications Committee
"Nestlé Professional" Corporate Executive Chef