A young chef is celebrating today after winning the title of Lancashire Young Chef of the Year 2014, sponsored by Essential Cuisine.
Daniel Young, 20, from Northcote Manor, had prepared and practiced his menu under the watchful eye of Head Chef Lisa Allen.
He took part in the cook off at Preston College on 1st April 2014, and faced tough competition on the day from Liam Anderson from The Villa, Matthew Lees from The Highwayman Inn, and Paul Mackellar from Foxholes Restaurant.
Daniel cooked his way to the final with a starter of caramelized goosnargh duck, with beets salad and black bee honey dressing.
His main course consisted of new season lamb butter puff pastry, with asparagus and a “sweet and sour” turnip puree. He finished his winning menu with a stunning dessert of rhubarb trifle with walnut doughnut.
Also sponsored by CHR Foodservice Equipment, the competition which is in its 12th year seeks to find young talent in the North West.
Judges on the day were Chairman of Judges Brian Mellor, Managing Director of Essential Cuisine Nigel Crane, and Executive Chef from Echo Arena in Liverpool, Matt Nugent.
Daniel will now go on to attend a master class with an acclaimed chef to hone skills with the industry’s best, before going on to compete against the other regional winners in the final of North West Young Chef Competition, which will be held at Manchester College on 18th June 2014.
In preparation for the final, Daniel said “I want to correct some of the things on my menu that I wasn’t happy with, and make it the best it can be. And going forward, I know what to expect in a competition environment so I’m looking forward to it.”
