The world’s most prestigious culinary challenge founded by legendary chef Paul Bocuse requires months of preparation and several previous winners have taken 12 months off work to practise.
For Bennett, who has just been appointed chef director of The Cross in Kenilworth, a new pub restaurant backed by restaurateur and mentor Andreas Antona, it was not a decision to be taken lightly.
“The Bocuse d’Or was an incredible journey and we learnt so much in the process – however I have other things going on right now which I also need to focus on,” he said. “I’ve spent the last few months considering the prospect of doing it all again and I only made the decision when I felt 100% comfortable that I could do it while running my own restaurant.
“Thanks to organisations such as University College Birmingham and our generous sponsors, we now have better support than ever and having gone through the experience before I have a better handle on things. We have strong teams both at The Cross and in the Bocuse d’Or UK committee which will enable me to combine the two roles seamlessly.”
Brian Turner, Team UK judge and president of the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts, said: “Adam put in a fantastic performance this year and we are delighted to have him back on board. There’s no denying the challenge ahead but we have every confidence that he’s the best man for the job.”
The European final of the Bocuse d’Or will take place from May 7-8 2014. Only the top 12 placed teams will be sure of a place in the world final that takes place at the Sirha Exhibition in Lyon in January 2015.