Fairmont The Palm Dubai has announced the appointment of a new chef de cuisine, Romain Van Durmen.

Responsible for The Chefs Palette, chef Durmen will manage the resorts dedicated cooking studio where he will drive individual and group cooking classes for guests and residents.

A Belgian national with over 10 years of culinary experience, Chef Durmen is fluent in English and French with a degree in Hospitality Administration and Management from L’Institut provincial D'enseignement Secondaire in Tournai, Belgium.

Chef Surman started his culinary career completing a series of internships within two Michelin starred restaurants - Le Château Du Mylord and Sea Grill by Chef Yves Mattagne - both within Belgium. His first official role was chef de partie at Luxury Brasserie, Belgium until 2006 where he moved back to Sea Grill, until 2008. From here, chef Durmen became chef de partie at Zaranda, a two Michelin star gourmet restaurant in Mallorca. Moving back to Belgium and becoming sous chef for La Petite Madeleine, he decided to open his own catering service called Rendez-Vous Chez Vous in 2011, servicing a range of clientele from private homes to large company events.

Prior to working at Fairmont The Palm, Chef Durmen moved to Dubai in 2014 to become chef de cuisine at a five-star luxury brand in International Financial Centre managing the kitchen for Café Belge and Sunken Garden, operating and managing a team of 16 Chefs for three years.

Executive Chef Alain Gobeil said: “I am thrilled to have another talented chef join our culinary team. Chef Romain’s experience and knowledge within the kitchen will add a new dimension to The Chefs Palette, where we will be launching a series of new, regular and interactive cooking classes for guests and residents to enjoy.”

The Chef’s Palette is an immersive, interactive cooking experience for diners of all ages seeking to create dishes to indulge in, pick up new skills in the kitchen, or simply enjoy an alternative dining experience within Dubai.

The Chef’s Palette puts a unique spin on dining, offering a collection of sessions designed and tailor made to be enjoyed in small groups with family and friends, for a special celebration, or as a corporate team-building activity. - TradeArabia News Service