35 years after it was first established, the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts launched the eighth Master of Culinary Arts (MCA), at The Corinthia London. Based on the Meilleur Ouvrier de France (MOF), the MCA is the UK hospitality industry’s most prestigious award for head chefs, pastry chefs and restaurant managers.
“The MCA is the highest honour in the catering industry; it examines the very finest details in service, pastry and kitchen and is the pinnacle of each discipline. For me, a Master of Culinary Arts is a person who strives for perfection in their profession and has the grace and elegance to promote our craft to the next generation.” John Williams MBE, Executive Chef, The Ritz London/Chairman, Royal Academy of Culinary Arts.
WHAT IS THE MASTER OF CULINARY ARTS?
Inaugurated in 1987, The Master of Culinary Arts is held every four years and is seen to be the ultimate accolade, awarded in recognition of outstanding craftsmanship, for Chefs, Pastry Chefs and Restaurant Managers in the UK. Inspired by Michel Bourdin, then Chef de Cuisine at The Connaught and supported by Albert and Michel Roux OBEs the MCA was based on the Meilleur Ouvrier de France (MOF) and was originally known as the Meilleur Ouvrier de Grande Bretagne.
The MCA represents the very best in craftsmanship in cooking, pastry and service. It is a priority in the Royal Academy’s continuing efforts to improve the standards of food, cooking and service while, at the same time, raising the professional status of Chefs, Pastry Chefs and Restaurant Managers. Winners of the MCA carry the title for life and become role models for future generations. Through the MCA, we can encourage young people to aspire to be the best thus securing a better future for the hospitality industry.
The award of Master of Culinary Arts (MCA) is conferred on those who have displayed mastery of the complex and specialised knowledge and skills in culinary arts which are required to be a first-class Chef, Pastry Chef, or for Restaurant Management and Service. The holder of the MCA is able to prove advanced technical skill and professional ability; accept accountability for their decision-making; contribute to supervision and management; demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of the principles of sustainability and the viability of our food sources throughout the scope of the food chain; demonstrate leadership and support the development of others; and act in the best interests of the culinary arts profession.
The MCA is proudly sponsored by our Educational Sponsor University of West London, and ACT Clean, Aubrey Allen, Berkmann Wine Cellars, Champagne Laurent-Perrier, Caffe Musetti, Ritter Courivaud, Winerhalter.
