South West Junior Chef of the Year 2015

The South West Junior Chef of the Year 2015 competition is now open for entries. The contest is an opportunity for prospective chefs to experience cooking in a professional kitchen whilst being mentored by accomplished chefs. The ‘junior’ category is exclusively for 11-16 year olds who are still at school. Entries close on 31st July 2015.

Michael Caines, judge and co-founder of the competition, said: “South West Chef is a very exciting opportunity for young people who love to cook. It is a chance to create a plate of food of their design, in a fully equipped kitchen.”

He adds: “It’s very rewarding to see careers being formed as a result of SW Chef and the competition helps us continue to celebrate the exceptional produce we have in the South West.” Melissa Johnson, last year’s winner from Otter St Mary in Devon, said: “I would really recommend the Junior South West Chef of the Year to anyone who is passionate about cooking. You get to meet amazing chefs and learn so much about the industry.” To enter young chefs must submit a recipe for a main course to feed two people. The entry can be emailed and should include the cooking method and a photograph of the finished dish. The competition aims to focus on South West produce, so entrants should source their ingredients primarily from the West Country region. All submissions will be judged by professional chefs and those selected to go through to the second round will be invited to cook-offs held at county level – Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Somerset and Wiltshire. Here the young chefs will have 90 minutes to cook and present their dish. Winners from each cook-off will go through to a final held on Saturday 10th October at Ashburton Cookery School in Devon. Prior to this, each county winner will be mentored by one of the county judges to help them perfect their dish.

The winner from each category will be invited to an awards presentation dinner on Thursday 29th October at Exeter Golf and Country Club. The Junior South West Chef of the Year will receive a number prizes including a Robert Welch Signature chef’s knife and sharpener and work experience with David Everitt-Matthias at the two Michelin-starred Le Champignon Sauvage in Cheltenham. The contest is in its 12th year and is sponsored by 3663. Other categories in the South West Chef of the Year are: Professional, Young Professional, Student Chef and Home Cook. Entry online at www.southwestchef.co.uk/how-to-enter/. Entry to the Junior category closes on 31st July 2015.

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