Claridge's chef wins NZ-UK Link Foundation challenge

Chris White, from the five-star Claridge's Hotel in London, fought off stiff competition this week from nine other finalists to win the NZ-UK Link Foundation culinary challenge.

The well deserved winner was presented with his top prize – a month long, all expenses paid trip to New Zealand working with top chefs – yesterday (11 November) at the New Zealand House in Haymarket, London by the guest of honour, The Princess Royal, patron of the NZ-UK Link Foundation.

The final cook-off took place on Monday (10 November) at Westminster Kingsway College where 10 competitors had to produce a main course and a dessert using New Zealand produce over a 90 minute period.

Judges, including New Zealand chef Peter Gordon, Steve Munkley, from The Royal Garden Hotel, and David Mulcahy, vice president of the Craft Guild of Chefs, were looking for presentation, composition, menu balance, and professional techniques in the young chef's dishes.

Second prize of an all expenses paid week's working experience with Gordon at his Providores restaurant went to Jamie Fanger of the Crooked Beam Restaurant in Dorset, while third prize of an all expenses paid week's experience with Gordon went to Daniel Corbett from Rhodes W1 in London.

White commented on his achievement: "I was so shocked when my name was called out. I wasn't expecting it at all, but for me it was more about the experience of competing in the contest. Winning was a bonus for me."

Words: Maria Bracken

« Back to previous page