North West Young Chef of the Year 2014 search begins

Entries are now open as the search for the 2014 North West Young Chef of the Year begins this January.

The competition, sponsored by Cheshire-based Essential Cuisine, invites young people from across Greater Manchester, Lancashire, Merseyside, Cumbria and Cheshire to compete against each other in producing a three-course meal for two with the emphasis on local and seasonal produce.

Regional heats are due to begin in April before the scheduled Grand Final in June with the winner qualifying for the Young National Chef of the Year competition against the cream from across the rest of the country.

County heat winners also get to attend a master class with an acclaimed chef prior to the final which gives competitors the chance to hone certain skills. 2013 finalists enjoyed a session with Chris Holland, Head Chef at Alderley Edge Hotel and contestant on Great British Menu.

Some fantastic cooking has been on show in previous years overseen by a regional judging panel including Steven Doherty, Lisa Allen, Christopher Basten, Marcus Bean and Sean Kelly.

Daniel Akrigg (pictured above), of Simon Rogan’s Rogan & Company in Cartmel, Cumbria, was the 2013 winner and he blew judges away with his sense of balance and flavour developed during his tutelage with the Rogan team. Nineteen-year-old commis chef Daniel went on to finish third in the national finals, held at the Restaurant Show in Earls Court, London.

For more information on the next North West Young Chef of the Year competition, contact Lucy on 01606 541490 or email advice@essentialcuisine.com. Details can also be found via the Facebook page and Twitter account @NWYoungChefComp.