Essential Cuisine Sponsor Master Chefs of Great Britain

Tom Orton from The Lovelady Shield Hotel in Alston has been hailed Master Chefs of Great Britain’s Young Chef of the Year 2010, sponsored by Essential Cuisine.

Pipped to the post was runner-up Tom Lawson from Sheffield College, one of eight young finalists who battled for the prestigious title at a cook-off at Westminster Kingsway College.

The award was introduced this year to emphasise the value of healthy competition, constructive feedback and recognition in a young chef’s life and complement the Young Pastry Chef competition run by the Masterchefs of Great Britain.

The challenge was open to chefs who have or are working with, studying under or are backed by a Master Chef of Great Britain and who achieved their Advanced Training Diploma this year.

Finalists were tasked with creating a signature starter and main course – one of which had to be a classic - from a mystery box of ingredients, including a product from Essential Cuisine’s kitchen-made tasting range of stocks, jus, demi-glaces and gravies for the professional chef.

The panel of judges comprised of chefs Daniel Ayton, Michael Godfrey, Grant Hawthorn and John Retallick as chairman, whose objectives were to look at flavour, presentation and balance of dishes as well as good working practices, hygiene and safety, wastage and timing.

It was a closely fought contest with all finalists completing the task and putting forward a variety of dishes. According to judges, it took a great deal of discussion to arrive at a decision.

All competitors were presented with two engraved glasses, parmesan grater and an AA Restaurant Guide, whilst the winner also received a decanter, canteen of cutlery and a trip to study at the Culinary Academy at the Johnson & Wales University in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Gerald Roser, chairman of Master Chefs of Great Britain (MCGB), said: “the standard of these young chefs was very high and we are delighted that the winner will go forward to the short listing event for the World Skills team. We would like to thank the sponsors of the competition Essential Cuisine, Hygiene Sue, Reidel UK and Villeroy & Boch.”

Managing director and Dorchester-trained chef Nigel Crane said it was a privilege to be involved with such an important new competition. “To become a British Young Master Chef really says something about who you are and what sets you apart from other chefs,” he said.

Around 150 guests attended the May awards dinner, cooked by Michelin-starred chef Roger Jones and students of Westminster Kingsway College, London.

24/05/2010|