BCF reveal the 16 finalists for Young Chef of the Year 2016
The British Culinary Federation has announced its 16 finalists for Young Chef of the Year 2016.
Chefs this year come from across the sector including hotels, contract catering and restaurants and include competitors from Peel's Restaurant, Hampton Manor; The Frog Restaurant, London; Lucknam Park, Wiltshire; L'Enclume Restaurant, Cumbria; Compass Group and the House of Commons.
The final will take place at Bonnet Kitchen at the University of Birmingham on 7 November where chefs will be required to produce a three-course menu for two covers. The first course must include fish or shellfish, the second to include duck, but the chefs are given free reign with their choice of dessert.
Judges will mark: the presentation and content of submitted entry; working methods; professional techniques and culinary skills; hygiene practices; timing; quality and balance of textures and flavours and presentation of finished dishes.
The winner will be announced that evening at an awards dinner at the university.
The first prize is the David Bache Trophy, a cheque for £250, a winner's commemorative plate and framed certificate. The winner will also be invited to the winner's lunch with Villeroy and Boch.
BCF president and competition organiser, Peter Griffiths said: "One of the main aims of the British Culinary Federation is to encourage and support young chefs to strive for excellence within their chosen profession. The standard of entries this year was, once again, extremely high and it is very encouraging to see some renowned establishments entering and supporting this prestigious competition."
Last year, Jonathan Ferguson, from Restaurant Andrew Fairlie was named winner of the competition. Second place went to Leonidas Kattou of Simpson's Restaurant, Birmingham, and Jack Gameson from University College Birmingham, came third.
THE FINALISTS
Matthew Nicholls, Cheal's of Henley
Fraser Cooper, Isle of Eriska Hotel, Argyll
Harvey Perttola, Peel's Restaurant, Hampton Manor
Andreas Doukanaras, The Cross, Kenilworth
Richard Walter, Carter's of Moseley
Eleanor De Maria, Compass Group UK & Ireland
Lewis O'Carroll, The Moat House, Acton Trussell
Connor Blades, The Frog Restaurant, London
Edward Marsh, Lucknam Park, Wiltshire
Samuel Lambourne, The Stafford, London
Adam Shohet, The Ivy, London
Sophie Botting, House of Commons
Chris Mee, L'Enclume Restaurant, Cumbria
Joe Payne, Restaurant Andre Garret, Cliveden House & Spa
Laura Elbourne, Gilpin Hotel and Lake House
Frances Attwood, Simpson's Restaurant, Edgbaston
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