KLM and Ekkebus cooking amidst the stars with Koppert Cress

Passengers on board a KLM flight to Hong Kong were treated to a surprise meal cooked by Master Chef Richard Ekkebus. The dinner formed part of his final test to qualify as an SVH-certified Master Chef. Carrying the title of Master represents the highest level of professional recognition in Dutch catering.

After touch down, the SVH Committee (Stichting Vakbekwaamheid Horeca) announced that Richard had successfully completed the first part of his Master’s test. KLM has been serving its World Business Class passengers meals created by Richard Ekkebus since December 2012. Never before has a (Dutch) chef cooked dishes ‘live’ on board an aircraft as part of his final test to become a Master Chef. Richard was specially flown in from Hong Kong to the Netherlands to complete the ‘mise en place’ (preparations) for the flight from Amsterdam to Hong Kong.

For several years now, KLM has been serving World Business Class meals created by leading Dutch chefs. By joining forces with chefs and sommeliers of this standing, KLM continues to invest in its inflight service. With Richard Ekkebus of Restaurant Amber** in The Landmark Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Hong Kong, KLM reaffirms the impeccable level of quality it offers its passengers. Meals were previously served on board by SVH Master Chef Jonnie Boer (Librije ***, Zwolle, the Netherlands), SVH Master Chef Mario Ridder (De Zwethheul **, Schipluiden, the Netherlands) and Sergio Herman (Oud Sluis ***, Sluis, the Netherlands).

The menu served in the air, with some Koppert Cress products, was specially comprised of Richard Ekkebus’ signature dishes. See below a selection of the dishes.

The ‘inflight committee’ consisted of Jonnie Boer SVH Master Chef, Onno Kokmeijer (Ciel Bleu ** at the Hotel Okura Amsterdam) and Carsten Klint, secretary of Master Chef titles at SVH. The second part of the Master’s test will take place at Restaurant Amber in The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong, where Richard will be assessed by the committee in relation to more than 100 aspects of his craft. Richard is the first Dutch chef working abroad to be tested for his Master’s certificate there as well.

Source: KLM - http://nieuws.klm.com/klm-en-richard-ekkebus-koken-tussen-de-sterren-en/