Australian Pastry Chef Deniz Karaca may soon be able to claim he is the world's leading chocolate master after winning his way into the World Chocolate Masters finals to be held in Paris in October.

Hot on the heels of his Australian national win in 2012, Karaca, EPICURE's MCG Culinary Centre Pastry Chef has been crowned the winner of the 2012-13 World Chocolate Masters Asia-Pacific region selection held in Taiwan.

The titles are organised by leading gourmet chocolate brands Callebaut, Cacao Barry and Carma and are dedicated to the creative use of chocolate and "The Architecture of Taste". In Taiwan, each contestant had to create one chocolate showpiece, one moulded praline, one dessert and one pastry within seven hours.

Using 'Umami' as inspiration (a savoury taste which is one of the five basic tastes together with sweet, sour, bitter and salty), EPICURE'S Deniz Karaca spent months planning his creations. "I am absolutely thrilled that the months of long hours put into my creations have paid off," he said. "I have dreamt about this since I was a teenager but couldn't have done it without an understanding employer so I thank EPICURE for its support."

Jury President, Jean Marc Bernelin, who is also a technical advisor from Barry Callebaut Services Asia Pacific, said: "Deniz stood out with his showpiece demonstrating high quality and originality."

Paris will be the 5th edition of the World Chocolate Masters and contestants will be challenged to create a chocolate cake, dessert and praline by approaching it in the same way as creating a whole building. The championships will bring together the world's best patissieres, chocolatiers and chefs with the challenge of "creating a new architecture of taste, texture and experience, in which chocolate plays a fundamental role. Most importantly they will need to innovate and thrill".

ABOUT EPICURE

EPICURE is Australia's leading sustainable caterer featuring innovative seasonal menus that support ethically produced food and utilise local producers and products. In doing so, EPICURE helps to strengthen the national economy whilst significantly reducing the impact on the environment. EPICURE is also major event specialist and operates exclusively in a premium range of iconic venues across Australia and New Zealand.

ABOUT THE WORLD CHOCOLATE MASTERS

The World Chocolate Masters is the premium international competition solely dedicated to the Art of chocolate. The contest is open to the most talented chocolate professionals of the world. The winners of each national selection will represent their country at the international final, which will be held in Paris, 2013.

MEDIA CONTACT
Sharon Mackenzie
sharon@mackenzieoz.com
0431374671