MARK Theophilus Cole, known affectionately as Fat Chef, will be presented with the prestigious Chairman’s Award at this year’s staging of the the Jamaica Observer Table Talk Food Awards on June 27.

Chef Cole has been recognised from very early in his career, having won more than 15 gold and 10 silver medals at Jamaica Cultural Development Commission’s culinary competition; gold medal for the Jamaica National team; Manager of the Year awards; and the John Issa scholarship for culinary achievement.

He readily shares his love and passion with his team, and as a vice-president of Culinary Federation of Jamaica he has been team coach, event producer, and “gets anything done” for the annual Chefs on Show and the Taste of Jamaica competitions.

Cole has led Jamaica’s culinary team to many international competitions, including Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association’s Taste of the Caribbean where the team has won numerous accolades.

Under his stewardship at his home hotel, the Jamaica Pegasus, his team members have also won numerous awards and accolades at various culinary competitions. He loves to mentor interns, his own team members, and countless students and foodies. Training and development are also his passion and he always has an open door to his knowledge and expertise. On many occasions he has even stepped back and allowed his team to shine.