LET BATTLE OF THE YOUNG CHEFS COMMENCE!!
Organisers of North West Young Chef of the Year, sponsored by Essential Cuisine, have again launched their annual hunt to discover the most promising culinary superstar in the region.
The 2009 competition, which attracted a record number of entries since its 2002 debut, culminated in a showstopping final in June, with 23-year-old Chris Rawlinson from Chorley, Lancashire, stealing the crown from four other talented young chefs.
Competition chairman and judge, British Masterchef Brian Mellor, said they were looking for fledgling Blumenthals and Ramsays who showed particular flair in the professional kitchen.
“It doesn’t matter whether you are a college trainee, pub or hotel chef, restaurant apprentice or canteen cook,” he said. “You just need to work in the region and believe you have something special, some real promise. Head chefs can also enter their talented protégés into the race to become the hottest property in the North West. It could be the stepping stone to greater things and a wonderfully illustrious career.”
To enter Essential Cuisine North West Young Chef of the Year 2010, entrants must be under 25 with the drive and brilliance to outshine contenders in a county heat, going on to compete for the coveted regional title. As well as seeing their name up in lights, the overall champ will win a week long bursary in a top European restaurant.
Chefs need to be able to cook a three course meal for two using local North West produce costing up to £25. Crucially, they must impress a scrupulous judging panel including TV chefs and regional masters of the trade.
Entering the competition increases chances of achieving long term goals with the golden opportunity to demonstrate skills to a professional audience and get invaluable feedback, meet and build relationships with peers and experience the nerve wracking thrill of competing.
Essential Cuisine North West Young Chef of the Year 2009 Chris Rawlinson, head chef at his own restaurant, The Red Cat in Whittle-Le-Woods, near Chorley, encouraged young chefs to enter the competition, sponsored by professional stock maker Essential Cuisine.
“It is such a fantastic opportunity to show what you can do and I can’t wait for my stage abroad,” said the 23-year-old. “I may run my own restaurant which got into the Michelin Guide this year, but to win North West Young Chef was something else, really wonderful.
“It gives young chefs who might work under the radar the chance to stand up and say, ‘I’m a chef in my own right’, giving them the confidence to make their mark.”
To enter the county heats, you must work in either Greater Manchester, Lancashire, Merseyside, Cumbria or Cheshire. The Greater Manchester, Lancashire and Cheshire heats will be incorporated into the county’s annual Tourist Board awards. Heat info is as follows:
Manchester Young Chef of the Year 2009
Closed for entries
Lancashire Young Chef of the Year 2009
Closed for entries
Cheshire’s Most Up & Coming Chef of the Year 2009
Closed for entries
Merseyside Young Chef of the Year 2010
Entries from: 16th November 2009
Closing date for entries: 28th February 2010
Cook off: 31st March 2010
Venue: Wirral Met College
Click here to enter on line
Lakes Hospitality Cumbrian Young Chef 2010
Entries from: 16th November 2009
Closing date for entries: 12th March 2010
Cook off: 30th March 2010
Venue: Kendal College
Click here to enter on line
The competition will climax in a dramatic live cook-off in front of regional producers, food writers, radio and newspaper media and top chefs in June 2010.
11/08/2009|