Joe Gould from Lainston House Hotel, Winchester has won the coveted UK spot at this year’s Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Young Chef of the Year, whilst Mathias Camilleri from Medlar triumphed at the eighth UK Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Young Sommelier of the Year.
Young Chef of the Year
Joe Gould will now go on to represent the UK at the International Finals, where he will pit his skills against 27 peers from around the world for the global Young Chef title.
The UK competition took place earlier this month, when competitors gathered for an intense skills showcase. Each competitor was given previously unidentified, identical baskets containing a range of ingredients. They were then challenged to put together a winning three-course menu, worthy of winning the coveted title. Dishes were judged by a panel of experienced professionals, who are also members of the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, on taste, presentation and originality.
Joe was crowned the winner after demonstrating a vast array of knowledge, skill and superb execution that impressed the judges.
Head of Judges, Daniel Galmiche of The Vineyard Stockcross, commented on the finalists’ menus: “Judging the finalists’ entries was no easy task, each contestant had something exciting and admirable to offer, but Joe stood out to be our winner and it was a pleasure to award him with the title.”
Joe will head out to Budapest, Hungary for the international Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Young Chef of the Year Competition, on 11th September.
Applause for the top Young Sommelier
Mathias Camilleri from Medlar has become the eighth UK Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Young Sommelier of the Year, and will now go on to represent Britain in the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs International Finals, which will take place in Adelaide, Australia on 25 September 2015.
Mathias took the coveted top spot after an intense skill showcase at the Gaggeneau showroom in London earlier this month.
Each competitor was tested on theory, service and blind tasting, which required the contestants to demonstrate extreme composure and confidence as they competed under pressure. The standard for this year was said to be so high that four competitors were selected for Final consideration, rather than the traditional three.
Mathias ultimately came out on top by demonstrating specialised knowledge, passion and skill that ‘belied his young age’ and made him ‘wholly worthy’ of the acclaimed title.
Philip Evins, Bailli Délégué for the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs commented on the Young Sommelier of the Year 2015 competition: “I would like to congratulate Mathias on his achievement – the winners of our competitions set a fantastic example for other ambitious young sommeliers by giving them something to aspire to. It’s a delight to be able to facilitate this and keep fresh, young talent within the sector.”
The Chaîne des Rôtisseurs has established a reputation for supporting and promoting young professionals within the hospitality sector.
Chaîne des Rôtisseurs
The Chaîne des Rôtisseurs is an international gastronomic society. Founded in Paris in 1950, the society is dedicated to bringing together professional and non-professional members from around the world who appreciate wine cuisine and fine dining. Its long culinary history and tradition can be dated back to as far as 1248 and continues to be promoted today through its extensive local, national and international events. In an age of fast food culture, the Chaîne aims to sustain the appreciation of high quality food and drinks of all types and provide recognition for excellence.
The Young Chef Competition is just one of a calendar of world-renowned events hosted and promoted by the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs to encourage the aspirations of young professionals and provides a platform for them to compete with their peers. The Chaîne provides a network across over 80 countries where the spirit of camaraderie helps and welcomes travelling members.
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