Profession: Executive Chef / InterContinental Jordan Hotel
Years with Zara: 32 years
“ Chef Elias could easily be the dean of employees at Zara hotels. Modest, extremely professional, with rich history in Hospitality.”
Growing up in a place where tourism and hospitality were thriving, Chef Elias opened his eyes to the InterContinental Jerusalem Hotel where the people of Jabal Al Zaytoun were hospitable in nature and had passion for hospitality and tourism.
“This Hotel has become my home and my life; if I were to describe my work in three words I would say Satisfaction, Happiness and Contentment” says Chef Elias.
Elias as a youngster took his real experience in hospitality when a culinary school opened under a Swiss Chef who was working at the InterContinental Jerusalem Hotel. Young at age and motivated by his family and friends, Elias was one of the first to join this new and promising Culinary Art School which later granted him a job at the InterContinental in Jerusalem in 1972.
“Chef Renee was my role model…I remember I used to look at him in awe and hope that one day I would be as charming and talented as he was” says Chef Elias in an exclusive interview.
Chef Elias moved to Jordan and joined the InterContinental Jordan Hotel in 1978 as a Department Head. He later moved to Assistant Chef and finally became a Head Chef.
When asked about his career, Chef Elias says that the best part of his career is when people savor the food he cooks. He relates hospitality to the famous Egyptian Comedian Adel Imam who makes people happy with his sense of humor just like great cooks make people happy with their food.
“The InterContinental Jordan Hotel has been the cradle for many novice chefs who are now pioneer chefs in Jordan and worldwide. We as chefs are proud to hold the name and be part of the InterContinental Jordan Hotel” adds Chef Elias.
“The advice I would give to chefs is to love what you do and be passionate about it, to be patient, courteous and make lifelong friendships”.
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