Derek Charles Gomez
Derek Charles Gomez, Executive Assistant Manager (EAM) of The Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa shares some of his favourite food memories and food and wine pairings.
What do you do and how did you get into the industry?
I am the EAM of the resort and I started in hospitality right after schooling. After four years of working, I left the industry to study hospitality management and graduated from the University of Toulouse, France.
Share with us an interesting story from behind the scenes.
Every day is an interesting day. Some days are more challenging than others but its overall fun. Behind the scene is more about planning and tastings. We go through multiple tastings before an actual event. I would say that’s the most interesting thing behind the scene.
What’s a food memory from your childhood that stands out?
My mother’s home-cooked food.
What’s the best/ worst part of your job?
Meeting people is probably the best part of my job. I don’t think that there is anything bad, just that some days are more challenging than others
What’s your favourite food and beverage pairing?
Cheese and wine. Burgundy wine to be exact.
The perfect day off for Derek Charles Gomez would be…
Breakfast and Champagne with the family and a long lunch with family and friends.
What do you do for fun?
I love spending time with family and that makes it a fun-filled day.
What’s something you’d like guests to know about The Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa?
The Six Pillars of wellness we focus on are #SleepWell, #EatWell, #MoveWell, #FeelWell, #WorkWell and #PlayWell.
What’s your view on the food scene in Langkawi?
It’s starting to grow and you need people who are bold to make that change. That’s what we want to achieve here.
What’s in store for you in the upcoming months?
The festive season is just around the corner and that takes a lot of planning.
Find more interviews similar to this one with Derek Charles Gomez here. And, stay up to date with the latest food and beverage happenings in KL here.
Wow! Impressive! Graduated from France! Hmmm…his mum must have been a really great cook!
Interesting, Gomez is a Spanish name but he graduated from the University of Toulouse. Presumably he is multi lingual if not more. Alwasy interesting these interviews. Cheers Diane