Sign up for McCain's competition

The McCain Foods Signature Dish Competition in partnership with the Craft Guild of Chefs came under the spotlight at the recent Hospitality show at the NEC, Birmingham, where it was given a fanfare by chef Matt Shropshall, who is heading the judging panel.

The competition for young chefs – third year students and first year workers –requires them to create their own signature dishes – a starter and main course, which will be judged on innovation and originality. Shropshall says: "What we will be looking for are honest flavours, innovation, and not just side of plate."

With the deadline for entry just over three weeks away, chefs need to get their recipes sent in fast. Regional preliminary heats will be held at Sheffield College (Castle College), Thanet College's 'The Restaurant', City of Bristol College and Liverpool College, and finalists will go forward to the grand final at Thames Valley University on June 13. The winner will receive £1,000 and his or her college or employer will also receive £1,000. Three runners up will win £750 each.

McCain's foodservice associate director Adrian Greaves says: "The Signature Dish Competition celebrates the UK's culinary talent and aims to inspire future chefs. We are proud to invest in the future of modern British cuisine and can't wait to see the entries."

• Deadline for entry is February 28 2009. For more information about how to enter, visit www.mccain.co.uk/foodservice or contact the Craft Guild of Chefs at craftguild@btconnect.com for an entry form.

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