Confident home or professional cook? Then why not take part in the 2019 South West Chef of the Year competition, which is now open for entries…
The culinary contest, now in its 16th year, showcases excellence in both the South West’s hospitality industry and among amateur cooks too – with five categories now open for entries.
These five categories are Professional, Young Professional, Student/Apprentice Chef, Junior (under 16), and Home Cook. One of the five category winners will also be crowned South West Chef of the Year 2019. You can apply online by clicking here (but note that the Junior category entry has now closed).
The judging panel is headed up by Michael Caines MBE, who says, “The South West Chef of the Year competition is hugely important for the region’s hospitality industry and for the individuals whose careers it helps to shape. We are looking for competitors who are passionate not just about the dishes they are creating but the ingredients they are using and working with. The competition is also a great opportunity for amateur cooking enthusiasts to learn from some of the best chefs take to their culinary skills to the next level.” You can see a full list of this year’s judges here.
The Professional class is for those working at the level of pastry chef, junior sous or above and was won in 2018 by Tim Kendall, Head Chef at The Idle Rocks in St Mawes, Cornwall.
The Young Professional class is for chefs aged 19 to 24 years. Last year’s winner was Gercelynn Mae Dionio, Demi Chef de Partie, Lucknam Park, Bath.
Home Cooks will be recognised within a dedicated class to highlight the growing skills and passion of those who have learned their craft at home. The only criteria are that you’re aged 16 or over, and willing to create a main course and dessert for two people. Successful entrants will go through to the finals on Saturday 5th October at Ashburton Cookery School, who are sponsoring this category. Oonagh Egerton from Salisbury was the winner in this category for 2018.
The Student/Apprentice Chef class is open to those aged 16 to 19 who are studying at college or in an apprenticeship. Last year’s winner, Sophie Kennard, works at The Swan in Bampton near Tiverton whilst studying at Exeter College.
An awards presentation dinner will be held after the final of the Professional, Young Professional and Student Chef classes on 22nd October, at Exeter Golf and Country Club.
It would be great to have some Bristol representation…get entering! 🙂