First Participation of Mauritian Chefs: A Great Success for the Zarlor des Chefs à 4 Mains

The culinary and cultural event "Zarlor des Chefs à 4 Mains" has lived up to its promises, bringing together four Mauritian chefs and four chefs from Réunion. Organized by the West Island Tourism Office (OTI) of La Réunion, with support from the West Territory, the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority (MTPA), and the PR agency Blast Burson, this significant event offered a week of unique culinary discoveries for food enthusiasts. Through gourmet workshops, creative menus, and a pop-up restaurant, the Zarlor des Chefs à 4 Mains celebrated the culinary heritage of both islands and fostered the sharing of skills and techniques, while strengthening cultural and tourist ties in the Indian Ocean.

The culinary festivities kicked off with a press conference on Monday, September 29, attended by Roxanne Pausé Damour, President, and Stéphanie Jautzy, director of the OTI Ouest, along with Emmanuel Séraphin, President of the West Territory, the Blast Burson team, and the eight chefs.

Throughout the event, guests enjoyed a true gastronomic journey through culinary workshops, lunches, and other tastings at various hotels in the West of Réunion. Open to the local public and tourists by reservation, these sessions allowed attendees to (re)discover the local products and the mixed Creole cuisine from both islands.

On the final day of the event, the OTI Ouest invited the Réunionese and Mauritian chefs to participate in a dinner where chefs Emmanuel Fortuno and Mathieu Payet had the opportunity to present a signature menu designed to delight the taste buds of the guests.

A Harmonious Blend of Mauritian and Réunionese Cuisines

On this occasion, Roxanne Pausé Damour stated, "The Zarlor des Chefs à 4 Mains perfectly illustrates our commitment to promoting the cultural and gastronomic wealth of our region. By bringing together Mauritian and Réunionese chefs, we were able to offer participants a unique, delicious, and friendly experience that connects our islands and celebrates the know-how of our artisans. We warmly thank all our partners, including the MTPA, the hotels, Constance Hotels & Resorts, LUX*, and ER Hospitality for enabling their chefs to participate in this culinary week, not forgetting the Blast Burson agency for its essential role in facilitating and coordinating this event."

Aisha Allee, Chairperson & Founder of Blast Burson, expressed, "What a joy it has been to contribute to creating a culinary bridge between Mauritius and Réunion, where each chef's talent shone to amaze guests and bring our two islands closer together. Blast Burson aims to strengthen the ties between Mauritius and Réunion to promote strategic collaborations while showcasing our shared heritage. This gastronomic event perfectly illustrates what we can achieve when creativity and the willingness to build win-win partnerships come together."

Avinash Teelock, Director of the MTPA, emphasized, "The Zarlor des Chefs à 4 Mains has been a wonderful opportunity to highlight the rich culinary scene of Mauritius while reinforcing ties with our neighbors in Réunion. The MTPA is proud to support such collaborations that allow our chefs and hotels to share their expertise while promoting Mauritius as a gourmet and innovative destination."

So, food enthusiasts, mark your calendars for next year’s edition of the Zarlor des Chefs à 4 Mains, which promises to be even more delicious and innovative!