GRAND Pacific Hotel has become renowned for its range of dining options and culinary skills that are breathtaking.

If you wonder, who are the people behind the scene, meet Mohammed Arun, better known as Chef Mo. He is the executive chef of the Grand Old Lady.

Mr Arun was born and raised in Nadi. He moved to NZ 30 years ago and returned to Fiji in December last year.

“I’ve always wanted to come back to Fiji and give a good shot with my career, to educate and give the hospitality industry another look, Mr Arun said. As a chef, he tried to educate guests and clients on the importance of healthy living, through what he includes in the menu.

GPH for him was a great challenge.

Whether it is a fresh produce or meat, he ensures local ingredients are used when preparing modern dishes.

He said these were concepts they tried to figure out while preparing client’s menu whether it’s a European or French dish. Mr Arun initially trained at the then Fijian Hotel (now the Shangri-La) and Regent of Fiji (now The Westin Denarau Island Resort & Spa), before moving to New Zealand in the early 90s.

He steadily moved through the ranks he honed his skills and perfected his trade in some of New Zealand’s best known hotels and restaurants such as Stamford Plaza Auckland.

In 1997 he was appointed executive chef of one of Auckland’s most popular restaurants, Iguacu in Parnell.

He is also the proud recipient of many awards and accolades, including New Zealand Culinary Fare Kitchen Team awards, the 2010 New Zealand Beef and Lamb Hallmark of Excellence Gold Plate Award, the 2008 New Zealand Metro Top 20 Restaurant awards and, for three consecutive years, the “Entertainment Gold Award” for Best Fine Dining Restaurant.