30th Nov 2009 - 00:00
Abstract
Jamie Bridgett, chef de partie at Carden Park, has won the Visit Chester & Cheshire contest after impressing judges at a cook off at West Cheshire College last week.
To get through, Bridgett had to cook up a winning meal for two alongside other 18-25 year old finalists, using local North West produce costing up to £25. His dishes featured a main course of chicken chasseur and a rich chocolate tart with Carden's elderberry and marzipan cream for dessert.
Bridgett's head chef Richard Sutherland was over the moon at his protégé's success. "For one still at a relatively young age, in the short time he has been with us the only way I can describe his passion is insatiable," he said. "On Jamie's first Saturday night with Carden Park, we did 225 covers, to which Jamie was assigned to cooking the meat and fish dishes.
"He kept a cool head and worked with great organisation and focus, and we did not receive one complaint or have any dishes returned. Jamie has kept this consistency going for the last six months without missing a beat and I'm so pleased for him."
The judging panel included Masterchef Brian Mellor (Chef 'n' Farmer, Wirral), Paul Askew (chef patron at The London Carriage Works, Liverpool) and Ian Jaundoo (executive chef and lecturer at Liverpool Community College).
The title not only brings industry acclaim, but an automatic place in next year's heated final of the Essential Cuisine-sponsored North West Young Chef of the Year 2010.
If Bridgett goes on to win North West Young Chef of the Year 2010, he will receive a week long bursary in a top European restaurant with mentoring from an accomplished chef. He will also win a weekend for two at a luxury hotel and a set of Global chefs' knives.