High hopes for Team UK at Bocuse d'Or 2011

Team UK has the best chance yet at next year's Bocuse d'Or competition, according to the Academy of Culinary Arts (ACA).

Bocuse d'Or, the world renowned biennial culinary competition established in 1987 by legendary chef Paul Bocuse, attracts the crème de la crème of the culinary world to compete, and the ACA holds the UK ticket for entry.

Team UK and ACA president Brian Turner said: "Simon Hulstone represents Britain's best chance yet of being awarded a place on the Bocuse d'Or podium."

Hulstone, chef owner of The Elephant in Torquay, secured his place in the Bocuse d'Or final after competing in the European heat in Geneva in June where he came fourth after Denmark, Norway and France, and he won the prize for the best meat platter.

The Bocuse d'Or world final takes place on January 25 and 26 at the SIRHA Expo in Lyon, France, and Hulstone, supported by his commis chef Jordan Bailey and coach Nick Vadis, UK executive chef at Compass Group, must create a fish platter using Scottish monkfish, langoustine and crab, and a meat platter using Scottish lamb, each with three garnishes. Official Bocuse d'Or sponsors Seafood Scotland and Quality Meat Scotland will be providing the products for his practice sessions.

Electrolux Professional and Unilever Foodsolutions have financially contributed to the Bocuse d'Or UK fund with further donations offered by Compass Group and Nestlé Professional.

However to ensure Team UK has the best chance ever, it is key Britain gets behind its candidate. Hulstone said: "Since our performance and the great crowd we had in Geneva, I've had plenty of people contacting me with offers of support and I've told many of them to come to the final. However for those that cannot make it out to Lyon, there are other ways to support such as donating equipment and product for the garnishes, donating funds to cover travel, accommodation, and awareness raising and attending some of our fundraising events."

Ways to get involved include:
Supporters' trip to Lyon
Accommodation in Lyon is already booking up and there are limited spaces available. For anyone wishing to join the supporters on their trip to Lyon, please contact Michelle Diederichs on 07814 028664 or email bocusedor@academyofculinaryarts.org.uk

A Taste of Bocuse d'Or at the Restaurant Show
Simon Hulstone will be introducing the Restaurant Show's diners to the flavours of the Bocuse d'Or on October 12. Working with a team of students from Westminster Kingsway College, he will be serving dishes from The Elephant, his Michelin starred restaurant, alongside those created during his time as the British Bocuse d'Or candidate.

Fundraising events
The Academy of Culinary Arts will be co-hosting a series of fundraising events where attendees will be given the opportunity to taste Hulstone's Bocuse d'Or dishes. Please see www.bocusedoruk.co.uk for more information about dates, locations and ticket sales.

CESA fundraising dinner
On Thursday, November 11, Hulstone and the English culinary team will be cooking dinner for the delegates at the CESA conference being held at the Celtic Manor Hotel. He will be incorporating elements from the dishes planned for the Bocuse d'Or 2011. The proceeds from the dinner will be handed to Brian Turner at the end of the evening and it will go towards the Bocuse d'Or Team UK. Please see www.bocusedoruk.co.uk for more information.

• For further information, contact Michelle Diederichs on 07814 028664 or email bocusedor@academyofculinaryarts.org.uk

Words: Sheila Eggleston

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