is to meet the top UK chefs and get them to taste and judge your food.
You entered NCOTY last year – how helpful was that experience and what did you learn from it?
Reaching the final of NCOTY last year was a massive learning curve and the experience was very helpful. This year I had a much better idea of what the judges are looking for, what the semi-final and final is like, how much space I have got to cook, what equipment I needed and so on. Last year, I had underestimated how much work, time, energy and effort the preparation that this competition needs.
The great thing about NCOTY is that doesn’t matter what the outcome is, you are becoming a better and more skilful chef.
Have you entered any other competitions apart from NCOTY?
Before NCOTY I took part in few competitions as a student. I have won the Escoffier Challenge in London in 2006 and 2007, the Caterer & Licensee Student Chef of the year 2007 and the Wessex Salon Culinaire in Bournemouth. I also was awarded the 2nd place in Young Chef of European Union 2006, Hotel Beaulieu, Nord-pas-Calais, France.
Knorr and Unilever Food Solutions are proud to be longstanding sponsors of the National Chef of the Year competition. The foodservice industry is a significant and important part of Knorr’s business and we’re proud to have been by the side of culinary professionals since 1838.
Remember your first day? Watch our campaign film at www.ufs.com/knorr1838
