The hunt for the North West Young Chef Competition continues with the next two finalists announced following a tense cook off on 11th April at Kendal College.
Taking the second semi-final crown was Ryan Lee, 21 from Rothay Manor who impressed judges with his techniques and menu. The runner up on the day, and also progressing through to the final is Thomas Reeves, 22, from L’Enclume.
In a new competition format, all entrants had to submit an online entry form detailing their chosen menus and demonstrating evidence of using local and seasonal produce. Our panel of Judges led by Chairman Brian Mellor then had the onerous task of whittling them down to just 12 chefs based on their online entries, with 6 competing in each of two semi-final’s.
Following his win of the two and a half hour cook off, winner Ryan said “I’m very happy with how I cooked today. I feel like pacing the floor with excitement!
“Last year I entered and made it all the way through to the final, so this time I wanted to come back and go all the way, and then progress to the Nationals in the seeded competition place. The owners at Rothay Manor have been really supportive of my progress.”
On planning his menu, Ryan said “I wanted to keep things simple, but as I began looking at ingredients and working up my menu, I kept adding bits in, so it ended up with lots of different elements. I think it was quite a complicated menu in the end, but it definitely gave me chance to show off my techniques and skills.”
Ryan’s winning menu began with Mackerel, fennel, apple, orange and Beurre Noisett. Next, he cooked Hogget with wild garlic, mushroom and lamb jus. And finally, he completed his winning trio with a dessert of Chocolate, Beetroot and Samphire.
The second semi-final saw the following chefs compete; Mai Trising (Black Swan,) Ashley Monkman (Forest Side,) Nathan Bate (Tattu,) Thomas Reeves (L’Enclume,) Ryan Lee (Rothay Manor) and Luke Whittle (Forest Side.)
Speaking of his achievement, runner up Thomas said “I am really pleased I’ve made it through to the final. I was quite nervous going into it, but once we started I settled down. One of my friends, Sam Nash, entered a few years ago and said what a good experience the competition had been for him, so I wanted to get involved. I’m glad I did, and am looking forward to planning my menu for the final in May.”
Judging on the day were Jonathan Harvey-Barnes (Business Development Chef from sponsors Essential Cuisine,) Brian Mellor (Chairman of Judges) and Jon Fell (Head Chef at Rosehill Theatre.)
Jon Fell commented “the standard of all 6 competitors today was better than expected, it was incredibly high which made judging very difficult.”
Brian commented on the “fast paced” semi-final, saying “you could feel the energy levels and intensity in the kitchen throughout the day.”
Jonathan from Essential Cuisine added “all 6 chefs were meticulous in planning of their ingredients and the execution of their menus. Ryan in particular was methodical, clean and focussed throughout the day.”
Speaking about the winner, Brian commented “Ryan maintained the high standard throughout his menu; his worth ethic and techniques were fantastic.”
For the unsuccessful chefs, there are still two wildcards available, which will see the best two runners up from across the two semi-finals progress through to the final, so all is not lost.
The competition, sponsored by CHR and Essential Cuisine, now gives Ryan and Thomas the opportunity to attend a master class with an acclaimed chef to hone skills with the industry’s best. They will join Cyril Gabriel and Daniela Tucci as finalists, along with 2 yet to be announced wild cards, who will all compete on 25th May at Manchester College for the title of North West Young Chef.
Also supporting the competition and the young chefs are industry supporters Staff Canteen, Lancashire Life, Robinsons, Robert Welch, Oliver Harvey and Villeroy and Boch.
For more information or photography from the North West Young Chef Competition, please contact Lucy from Essential Cuisine on 01606 541490 or email [email protected]
