Mövenpick Ice Cream has crowned Biju Joshwa as its 2015 Gourmet Dessert Chef of the Year, following an intense live final cook-off at The Good Housekeeping Institute in Soho. The final saw Joshwa battle it out against four other finalists, who each prepared their take on the classic ice cream sundae, producing some show-stopping results.
Joshwa of London Marriott Country Hall Hotel wowed the judging panel with his Black Forest Sundae, a combination of Mövenpick Vanilla Brownie Ice Cream, fresh cherry compote, vanilla blondies, cherry foam and crème Chantilly.
As part of his prize, Joshwa will showcase his winning sundae at the biggest UK food festival, Taste of London, later this month. In addition, Joshwa will enjoy a three night stay at a 5* London hotel with VIP tickets to the foodie haven and spending money.
Joshwa said of his win: “I strived to make my sundae as beautiful as possible, especially as we first taste with our eyes. Incorporating elements traditionally found in sundaes, such as brownie and compote, I aspired to make the perfect sundae from top to bottom. I’ve always loved the flavours of black forest and so paired Mövenpick Vanilla Brownie Ice Cream with cherries and Chantilly cream to resemble this. I really took on board the feedback from last year’s competition, so I’m delighted to have finally won the title of Gourmet Dessert Chef 2015.”
Head Judge and Master of Ceremonies Will Torrent commented: “As a team of judges we were really impressed with how the finalists worked – all with big smiles on their faces. But for us, it was Biju who delivered the winning smile. The innovative presentation of his Black Forest Sundae showcased Mövenpick Ice Cream as the true hero and was a delicious, perfectly portioned pud.”
Runner-up and finalists
Runner-up Zac Dearden of The Woolly Sheep Inn, Skipton was also praised by the judges for his creation of Mövenpick Espresso Croquant and Vanilla Brownie Deconstructed Sundae, with caramelised banana, hazelnut muffin and white chocolate. Dearden will be awarded with an overnight stay at a 4* London Hotel with VIP tickets to Taste of London and spending money. The other three finalists of the competition were Jonathan Los of Bishopstrow Hotel and Spa, Heather Gibson of Hilton Glasgow and Hannah Ward of Whisk and Spoon Catering.
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