Your chance to help a British chef to lift the Bocuse d’Or

Tuesday, January 27, sees the start of the biennial chef competition, the Bocuse d’Or. The competition takes place over two days in Lyon, the home of the competition’s founder, Paul Bocuse.

There will be 24 nations competing for the top prize, which was first held in 1987. The chefs will have to cook in front of a noisy audiences and under the scrutiny of some of the world’s most respected chefs.

With the help of a commis chef each competitor must produce a fish dish and a meat dish. Each dish must have three garnishes, and be presented on plates or silver flats.

This year the UK will be represented by Adam Bennett, chef director at The Cross in Kenilworth. Adam secured his place in the final when he came sixth in the European final last May. He will be supported by culinary arts student, Josh Allen from University College Birmingham and former UK candidate Idris Caldora.

To improve Team UK’s chances it has launched a crowdfunding campaign with the goal of raising £25,000 to help put the team in the best position at the competition, and also to help build a strong succession plan for the UK entry for 2017.

Money raised will also help ensure that Adam and his support team aren't left out of pocket from competing at this years event.

The funds raised will go towards compensating and covering:

• Practice time - To be in with a chance of securing a place on the podium requires months spent developing and practising every item on the menu.


• Ingredients - The team require costly competition specific ingredients.


• Logistics - Transportation of equipment and ingredients to Lyon.


• Travel and accommodation for the Coach, Commis and Team support.


• Raising awareness - including website, advertising, PR, photography and film.


• National Selection Competition.


• Future investment in the UK team.

Perks available in return for money donated include a Bocuse d’Or postcard, signed team posters, Adam’s 2015 menu brochure and the opportunity to bid for meals at his pub restaurant, The Cross in Kenilworth.

The fund raising campaign will run until 1st March. More details can be found at http://igg.me/at/BocusedOrUK.  It is hosted on Indiegogo and set up in collaboration with film partner Orama TV.

By John Guinn