Now in its 13th year, the contest invites young people from across Greater Manchester, Lancashire, Flintshire, Merseyside, Cheshire and Cumbria to compete against each other to produce a three-course meal for two with an emphasis on local and seasonal produce.
Nigel Crane, managing director of Essential Cuisine, said: “The competition serves as a timely reminder that supreme cooking talent in the North West of England is alive and kicking. I urge chefs, 23 or under, that value their place at the pass and feel they want to learn and grow in the spotlight of competition, to sign up today.”
Regional heats are set to take place in March and April, with a grand final scheduled for May 7th. Alongside the kudos of being crowned the North West Young Chef of the Year, the eventual winner will receive £500 and automatically qualify for the semi-finals of The Young National Chef of the Year competition, where they will square off against some of the best young chefs in the country.
Introduced three years ago, county heat winners also get to attend a masterclass with an acclaimed chef prior to the final as an opportunity to hone particular skills with the industry’s best. 2014 finalists enjoyed a session with Aiden Byrne at Manchester House, and also had the honour of meeting the renowned Pierre Koffmann.
For further information on the next North West Young Chef of the Year competition, call Lucy on 01606 541490. There is also a Facebook page and you can follow events on Twitter @NWYoungChefComp.