Spanish Young Chef of the Year 2010
Selin in action
London based junior chef Selin Kiazim has won a working placement at the world's best restaurant, El Bulli, after taking the title of the Spanish Young Chef of the Year.
Now in its second year, the contest was designed by Foods from Spain to inspire talented trainee chefs up to the age of 25 nationwide to explore and experiment with Spanish fresh produce and other Spanish ingredients.
Their task was to create three memorable dishes that reflect Spanish food using specific ingredients, including persimmon, chorizo and Picota cherries, to win the title and the first prize of travel to Spain's Costa Brava and at least three days in the kitchens at El Bulli.
Kiazim, who is junior chef at The Providores restaurant in London, beat finalists from around the UK in a cook off final at the weekend. Her menu featured a starter of pan fried hake with clams à la marinera and a persimmon and walnut salad; a main course of roasted Iberico pork, spiced mocilla and pumpkin croquette and a basque red bean and chorizo stew; and almond cake with sherry ice cream, Seville orange jelly and raspberry honeycomb for dessert.
Director of Foods from Spain, María José Sevilla, said: "We were very impressed by the standard of entries in this second year of the competition. Last year's winner David Powell has had some incredible experiences as a result of winning the title of Spanish Young Chef of the Year. I am sure that Selin will go on to achieve similar success in her career."
Kiazim will travel to Spain later this year to begin her training placement. "I love discovering food from all over the world and I have learnt a lot about Spanish ingredients by entering this competition," she said. "I am looking forward to learning even more at El Bulli."
The judging panel included María José Sevilla, Providores chef owner and author Peter Gordon, and food writer and Westminster Kingsway's chef lecturer José Souto.
Words: Sheila Eggleston
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