London chef of the year 2009 announced

Chef Ben Ford has beaten off stiff competition from across the capital to win the title of London Chef of the Year 2009 after an intense competition held at Westminster Kingsway College.

Ford impressed the judges with the high standard of his menu and the ease of his culinary skills in the kitchen. Currently working as head chef at Compass House, the global headquarters of Compass Group, the talented chef is also studying for a Foundation Degree Culinary Arts at Westminster Kingsway College.

The chefs were tasked with cooking a four-course meal of their own choice, which had to include a starter using underutilized seafood, a lamb main course and a chocolate desert. The entrants had a strict two and a half hours deadline in which to prepare and present their chosen dishes.

Ford's winning menu featured amuse bouche, sweetbread and smoked pancetta tortellini, watercress puree and bacon and thyme foam. He prepared a starter of seared pavẽ of stone bass with beluga lentils, pickled and pureed cauliflower chorizo vinaigrette.

The main dish, which got a special mention by the judges, was herb and garlic roasted cannon of lamb, slow braised rump with parma ham, rosemary creamed potato and buttered vegetables. This was complemented by a chocolate orange torte with marmalade ice cream, macerated raisins and spice oranges for dessert.

The lucky winner will now be taking the trip of a lifetime to New York to join a working stag at a top Michelin restaurant as part of his prize.

Ford commented on his achievement: "At this very moment I am over the moon. The level of this year's competition was so high and it's an honour that the judges picked my dishes over such fantastic chefs. I cannot wait for my trip to New York."

Ford beat off stiff competition from the other finalists Selin Kiazim - The Providores, Ben Ford – Compass Group, Bijendra Yadau - Sheraton Park Lane, Sujan Sarkar – Automat, Laurent Leveille - European Bank, Sara Bjork - The House of Commons, Gavin Swonnell HSBC GHQ and Ben Arnold – The House of Commons.

Words: Maria Bracken

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