Awarded once every four years, the MCA recognises technical skill, creativity, precision and professionalism across three disciplines - Service, Pastry and Kitchen.
The Service achievers are Valerio Badioli, F&B Manager at The Gleneagles Townhouse; Thomas Gammella, general manager at The Braywood, WSH Restaurants; Tom Noller, restaurant manager at L’Enclume; Andrea Nuninger, restaurant manager at Acleaf at Boringdon Hall Hotel & Spa; and Michael Pazsto, head sommelier at The Ritz.
Ben Christopherson, senior lecturer at the University of West London, received the title in Pastry.
The Kitchen achievers are Mehdi Lahmadi, premier sous chef at Coworth Park; Ian Musgrave, executive sous chef at The Ritz; and Adam Smith, executive head chef at Hever Castle.
“Achieving an MCA marks a turning point in the career of a chef, pastry chef or restaurant manager,” says Idris Caldora, chair of the MCA.
“Building confidence and winning respect from fellow culinary professionals, the Master of Culinary Arts achievers are role models who motivate and inspire others.
“It takes real courage to enter the MCA and exceptional skill to reach the finals alone.
“This year we have seen some immensely talented and dedicated individuals who have been thoroughly put through their paces during rigorous heats, which have taken place over the last six months.
“Congratulations to all the candidates and achievers on this outstanding achievement.”
The dinner was overseen by The Dorchester London’s general manager Luca Virgilio, culinary director Martyn Nail and director of food and beverage Richard Newell. The menu was prepared by Master of Culinary Arts recipients Jeremy Ford, George Blogg, Andre Garrett, Adam Smith, Benoit Blin and Alistair Birt.
Recipients received a handmade silver medal engraved with chef Marie-Antoine Carême, a matching silver lapel pin, a magnum of Champagne Bollinger Special Cuvée and a framed certificate. Service achievers also received a personalised Artis wine decanter, while Kitchen and Pastry achievers were presented with a Bragard MCA chef’s jacket.
This year’s MCA was overseen by a panel of honorary judges including Mark Birchall, Alain Roux and Thomas Kochs.