SW Chef of the Year
THE WINNERS of South West Chef of the Year 2008, have been announced.
Twelve finalists created menus utilising key locally sourced ingredients, and then a cook-off was judged by a panel of chefs including Michael Caines and Christopher and James Tanner of Tanners Restaurant and the Barbican Kitchen, Plymouth.
Hosted by Exeter College, the judges chose the top three chefs in each of three categories; Professional Class, Young Professional and Home Enthusiast.
The judges were won over by professional class winner, Paul Hudson`s, starter of vichyssoise of oyster with Gurnard beignets and sauce gribiche, and main of Rib of South Devon beef foresti?re with deep fried butter, red wine reduction and microgreens.
Hudson said; "At 3am this morning I finally decided to keep things really simple today, not over complicating my flavours and presentation. I really believe this is what won it for me, as well as keeping both courses as seasonal and local as possible of course."
The win secures Hudson a place as one of the few British chefs attending the Terra Madre 2008 meeting of chefs and food experts in Turin, Italy, a cash prize, a meal for two at Gidleigh Park, a set of crockery and a commemorative plate.
Judge and 2-star Michelin chef Michael Caines said, "The South West Chef of the Year competition champions what is great about the food, drink and cooking skills in our region. The Competition has started a week of food and drink events, we want to debate how to establish this region as a destination on the world stage, in the same way as Tuscany.”
The Young Professional class winner, Jennifer Aston, aged 18, from Brown`s Hotel, will gain work experience in the kitchens of the esteemed judges. She also won a cash prize, a set of crockery and a plate.
Judge and chef James Tanner said, "The next generation of UK chefs really shone through in the Young Professional final today, with the diverse and creative selection of ingredients used making for a very close competition. Jennifer`s superb, balanced main course reflected her high skill level and impressive execution which, in the end, definitely won us over."
