AFW launches new competition

The 2009 Gastronomy Team of the Year is sponsored by Discover the Origin, a new campaign promoted by a series of major chefs and sommeliers. It aims to educate food and wine professionals nationwide about the provenance and origin of five key European products: Parma Ham, Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, Burgundy wines, Port and Douro Valley wines. It is part financed with aid from the European Union, Portugal, France and Italy to promote products holding the Protected Destination of Origin (PDO) mark. The competition will involve each chef and waiter team creating a two-course menu with matching wines from Discover the Origin PDO products. Entries will initially be judged on answers to a questionnaire. Successful teams will then send in written submissions with the judging panel looking for diversity in the food and wine matches and the combinations that exist within these products. The chef will be required to outline the ingredients and preparation method for the dishes and the wine waiter to explain the reasoning behind the choice of accompanying wines. Entries will also be assessed on presentation and the theory and reasoning behind why the combination should work. The five best teams from each of five regions – The South, London, Wales & The Midlands, The North, and Scotland - will then be invited to compete for the top accolade during a practical 'cook and serve' final on 27 July 2009 at Westminster Kingsway College, London. Sophie Roberts-Brown, AFW executive director, commented on the contest: "This is a fantastic opportunity for employers and managers to encourage their front and back of house brigades to work together, fostering good teamwork and a greater understanding between the two departments." The campaign will be supported by the likes of Peter Gordon, Head Chef of London's Providores and Tapa Room; Katie Caldesi, TV chef and author; Xavier Rousset, Master Sommelier and co-owner of Texture; and Gearoid Devaney, Academy of Food & Wine, UK Sommelier of the Year and Head Sommelier at Tom Aikens. Peter Gordon said: "These are fantastic products which can help create a restaurant style meal. What better way to relax than with a glass of chilled Tawny Port and a unique Spiced Pear Tatin incorporating Parmigiano into the pastry; a perfect combination." The winning team will receive a 10-day trip courtesy of Discover the Origin to the three regions involved including Burgundy, Parma and the Douro Valley to enhance their understanding of the history and provenance behind the products of the campaign. Those looking to take part must contact the Academy of Food & Wine 0n 020 8661 4646. The closing date for entries is 30 April.