Chaîne des Rôtisseurs unveils winner of 2011 Young Chef of the Year Awards

The winning line up was announced at an awards ceremony held at the flagship London Showroom of Awards Partner, Gaggenau, on Thursday, 17th March 2011. The eight finalists, all under the age of 27 and working in Chaîne des Rôtisseurs' establishments across the UK, were tasked with the challenge to create a three course meal from a previously undisclosed market box of ingredients, in just three hours. Each three course menu was judged on presentation, originality, and taste. Keown's winning menu comprised of pan fried mackerel, cockles, shallot puree and beetroot to start, marinated duck breast, pomme puree, wild mushroom ravioli, butternut squash and chorizo sauce for the main course, followed by aromatic poached pear, dark chocolate rice pudding and hazelnut brittle for dessert. As winner of the 2011 contest, Keown will have the honour of representing Great Britain against other national winners at the International Rôtisseurs competition, which takes place in Istanbul in September. The runner up was Iain More of Swinton Park Hotel, Ripon with Thomas Bally of Hunstrete House, Bath, taking third place. Chairman of judges Paul Gayler commented: "The standard and competitiveness of the finalists was truly exceptional and I would like to pay them all tribute for what they have achieved. The sheer tenacity of our finalists continues to amaze and impress year after year, particularly when one considers the age and experience of those taking part."