At a recent cook off between World no 17 Stanislas Wawrinka and Frenchman Benoit Paire, it was evident that competitive spirit was high, even off court.
The event which marked the launch of the new menu at 601 at The Park had several friends of the players right up front to cheer them on as the ‘chefs’ raced to cook in all of 15 minutes. Perhaps the more pumped up of the two was last year’s Chennai Open champion Wawrinka who seemed to be on his game, albeit a culinary one, every step of the way.
“Here’s my adversary,” he joked, setting the mood for a lively session of fun, where spatulas replaced raquets. However, after concentrated efforts to finely chop zuchinni and tomatoes to make a quick tomato sauce – all sauteed alongside delicately sliced fish and tiger prawns, it was certain that the player meant business.
“We’ve given them a mystery basket to work with just like on Masterchef,” explained executive chef Rajesh R, on the sidelines of the competition. He pointed out to Paire, looking a tad nervous as the countdown came to a close. “Benoit is taking a little longer because he’s whipping up two separate dishes — one with fish and the other with prawns,” he explained.
Amid loud cheers, and much scrambling for the final elements of seasoning — olive oil, olives, a splash of white wine, a last minute squeeze of lime — the tennis stars breathed a sigh of relief as an organiser yelled, “Time up!” After a series of tasting plates were passed around for an informal panel of judges, it seemed as though Wawrinka may just have one in the bag. That was until somebody pointed out a lone reporter (this one) who was innocently sampling one of the dishes.
“What do you think – team black or team blue?” someone yelled. “Wait wait, she hasn’t tried the other plate,” came another voice, and before this reporter knew it, she was the deciding factor for the victor! Talk about pressure. But a subtle tang in the final forkful found a clear yet unexpected winner for the gathered crowd — newcomer Benoit Paire.
The 23-year-old reached over the counter and offered an appreciative handshake post win. “That’s the first time I ever made that dish,” he laughed. “It’s good to be back in Chennai,” he added later. “I was here last year and this time my girlfriend is with me on the trip so I’m very happy.”
Heads up to the lady fans geared up to hit the stadium this week — this Frenchman may cook up a storm on court and off it — unfortunately, he’s taken.