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Entries for the 2023 Craft Guild of Chefs National Chef of the Year (NCOTY) competition have launched today, giving chefs the opportunity to be part of its prestigious list of winners and to follow in the footsteps of some of the biggest stars in hospitality including Gordon Ramsay, Simon Hulstone and Luke Selby.
 
The highly anticipated briefing criteria developed in collaboration with chair of judges, Kenny Atkinson, highlights the ongoing global events that continue to challenge our much-loved industry, including food waste; the cost-of-living crisis, supply chain disruption and food inflation. 
 
To score highly, the NCOTY judges are keen to see unique culinary skills, and an excellent understanding of ingredients that are sourced in a sustainable way, celebrating food producers, farmers and small businesses.
 
With a focus on zero waste, the starter can be a fish, seafood, or a vegetarian dish, with a strong emphasis on vegetables, pulses and/or grains. Competitors are required to demonstrate techniques that show waste reduction, whilst using ingredients that are harmonious.
 
For the main course, chefs have been asked to create a delicious lamb dish, using two cuts, suitably garnished. Entrants are encouraged to be creative with their choice of primary and secondary cuts, that should take centre stage using the best ingredients, techniques, and cooking styles.
 
Finally, the dessert must incorporate chocolate, as chefs are required to produce a warm or cold dessert, with a complimentary savoury aspect, which could be a vegetable or vegetable derivative to balance the flavours.
 
The deadline for all entries is Wednesday 10th May, applications can be completed online at www.nationalchefoftheyear.co.uk. Entrants have the ability to save and make adjustments to entries before submitting, so it is encouraged that you start registering your details today. By registering early, you will also receive updates from the Craft Guild of Chefs, including inciteful answers to any FAQ’s.
 
Current title holder, Ben Murphy, chef patron at Launceston Place said: “Since winning this title, I’ve already had some incredible experiences. From featuring on magazine covers to being invited on an unforgettable culinary tour of the south-west thanks to CCS, attending the launch of Gordon Ramsay’s new TV show and cooking for huge audiences at leading industry events. As it’s the most sought-after chef title, I’ve always dreamed of winning it, and sometimes still can’t believe it happened. I’d encourage all chefs to believe in themselves and give it a go as it literally could be your turn next.”
 
Senior Business Development Chef, Jon Harvey-Barnes, said: “Essential Cuisine are so proud to be a headline sponsor of the UK’s most prestigious cooking competition. This years briefing criteria reflects many of the key focuses for our business, including developing dishes that minimise food waste; providing cost and time saving applications using our range of high quality ingredients, and the importance of supporting British and global food producers. By focusing on these important areas, we are leading the way to a more sustainable foodservice industry.”
 
Organiser of the competition, David Mulcahy added: “We are so pleased to have Essential Cuisine on board as headline sponsors. Our common values make this partnership the perfect fit. High quality, time-saving ingredients are so important to chefs in the current climate, and we are sure that the chef-led team will support the competitors over the course of the competition with inspiring, innovative, and sustainable ideas.”