Young chefs gear up for BCF challenge

A total of 16 young chef finalists have made it through to the British Culinary Federation Young Chef of the Year at Birmingham's University College.

The winner will be revealed at an awards dinner at the institution on Monday, November 16, following a cook off in the university's Molteni kitchens.

The finalists, who must be 23 years old or under on 1st January 2010, are either already working in a UK restaurant or still training at college. They will have to impress the judges by creating a three course meal for two people, incorporating a fish starter using bream, main course using British pork and a sweet using pears and chocolate.

The winner of the challenge will not only receive critical acclaim but will walk away with The David Bache Trophy, a cheque for £250, trip to Luxembourg, industry stage, personalised chef's jacket, framed certificate and commemorative plate from Villeroy & Boch.

Chefs in second and third place will receive a cheque for £150 and £100, respectively, chef's jacket, framed certificate and commemorative plate.

This year's BCF Young Chef finalists are:

• Matthew Willdig from Norton Canes, Cannock – Moat house, Acton Trussel, Stafford
• Tom Edmunds from Alvechurch, Birmingham – Hyatt Hotel, Birmingham
• Liam Davies from Ashgreen, Coventry – Manor Hotel, Meriden, Coventry
• Luke Staton from Leek, Staffordshire – Keele University
• Edward Attwell from Edgbaston, Birmingham – Loves Restaurant, Birmingham
• Aaron Darnley from Shirley, Solihull – Edmund's Restaurant, Solihull
• Liam Dillon from Birmingham – University College Birmingham
• Gary Brown from Stockingford, Nuneaton – University of Warwick
• Adam Degg from Erdington, Birmingham – New Hall Hotel, Erdington
• Steven Allery from Pinner, Middlesex – Dorchester Hotel, London
• Helen Evans from Birmingham – Simpsons Restaurant, Edgbaston, Birmingham
• James Diprose from Romford, Essex – RAC Club, London
• David Ingle from Windsor, Berkshire – Oakley Court Hotel, Windsor
• Jack Allibone from London – House of Commons
• Paul Kirk from Liverpool – Liverpool Community College
• Jonathon Mills from Tachbrook, Leamington Spa – Mallory Court, Leamington Spa

Over the years, the annual competition, sponsored by Electrolux Professional and supported by Villeroy & Boch, has discovered some talent from top hotels, restaurants and prestigious catering venues throughout the UK.

Words: Maria Bracken

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