Foods from Spain announces winner of Spanish culinary competition
They were competing against six other finalists in the cook off stage of the nationwide competition, which follows a paper-based first round. The competition is held each year to encourage talented chefs up to the age of 25 to explore and experiment with the exciting variety of Spanish fresh produce and other Spanish ingredients. Dishes inspired by Spanish cuisine are encouraged and each
course must feature one ingredient from the following pairs; strawberries or raspberries, Picota cherries or persimon and rice or pulses.
As well as taking the title of Spanish Young Chef of the Year 2012, 21-year-old Ben, has won a week in the kitchens of Akelar̀e, one of the few restaurants in Spain to hold three Michelin stars, under renowned chef Pedro Subijana. Ben will travel to Spain later in the year for his training placement.
María José Sevilla, Director of Foods from Spain said: “The quality of this year’s finalists has been outstanding. It’s great to see young chefs taking inspiration of Spanish cooking and ingredients to produce such superb dishes.
“We were very impressed by Ben’s menu and knowledge of Spanish cuisine. I’m sure his placement at Akelaŕe will be both enjoyable and beneficial to his career and we wish him every success in the future”.
The judging panel was made up of Director of Foods from Spain, María José Sevilla, chef and author Peter Gordon, President of the Guild of Food Writers, Jane Suthering, and chef lecturer José Souto.
The competition was sponsored by LA Organic and Endor Gourmet Foods, who provided ingredients for the cook off. Foods from Spain expects to launch the Spanish Young Chef of the Year 2013 competition later this year.
For more information: [email protected]