School caterers now have until Friday 10th February 2023 to register their interest in the competition, which is being sponsored by Bisto from Premier Foods.
Entrants will then have until 3rd March to work on their menu and dishes, full competition rules and criteria can be found in the LACA School Chef of the Year 2023 Entry Pack.
The competition is open to all kitchen-based staff involved in the daily preparation of pupils’ meals in schools across the UK. Competitors must prepare, cook and present four portions of a main course and dessert with a total food cost of £1.60 per head in 90 minutes that meet the School Food Standards and Eat Well Guide.
The national final will be held at the LACA Main Event on Wednesday 5th and Thursday 6th July at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole. The 2023 winner will receive a £1,000 cash prize, the 2023 LACA School Chef of the Year trophy and an invitation to a calendar of catering industry events.
Sarah Robb, foodservice marketing manager at competition sponsor Premier Foods, said: “LACA School Chef of the Year has been one of the highlights of the school catering calendar for many years and so we are excited that Bisto is sponsoring the event this year.
“We’ll be supporting and celebrating the chefs who get involved throughout the process and can’t wait to be part of the judging panel to help find the next star of school meals. The Premier Foods foodservice team work with chefs across the UK and we’ll be encouraging as many as possible to get involved and submit an entry. It’s a great way to test and develop your skills whilst potentially putting your school on the map.”