Joe Gould from Lainston House Hotel, Winchester has won the coveted UK spot at this year’s Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Young Chef of the Year at a glittering ceremony, hosted at The Dorchester Hotel last night.
Joe will now go on to represent the UK at the International Finals, where he will pit his skills against 27 peers from around the world for the global Young Chef title.
The UK competition took place earlier this month, when competitors gathered for an intense skills showcase. Each competitor was given previously unidentified, identical baskets containing a range of ingredients. They were then challenged to put together a winning three-course menu, worthy of winning the coveted title. Dishes were judged by a panel of experienced professionals, who are also members of the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, on taste, presentation and originality.
Joe was crowned the winner after demonstrating a vast array of knowledge, skill and superb execution that impressed the judges.
Head of Judges, Daniel Galmiche of The Vineyard Stockcross, commented on the finalists’ menus: “Judging the finalists’ entries was no easy task, each contestant had something exciting and admirable to offer, but Joe stood out to be our winner and it was a pleasure to award him with the title.
“The Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Young Chef of the Year Competition is an ideal springboard for these young professionals, they have the exclusive chance to compete in high-pressure situations, which teaches them worthwhile lessons and gives them valuable experience.
Joe will head out to Budapest, Hungary for the international Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Young Chef of the Year Competition, on 11th September.
Industry partners Gaggenau, Winterhalter Group, 3663 and Ferns Coffee sponsor the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Annual Young Professionals awards – Young Chef and Young Sommelier. Now in its 22nd year the contest is seen as a key component in the annual calendar for skills development within hospitality, as members train their top talent and grow their experience and application.
For more information go to www.chaine.co.uk