This year the criteria focuses on demonstrating excellent culinary skills across all disciplines, the creative use of local and global sustainable ingredients as well as the avoidance of any unnecessary food waste.
Professional chefs from all ethnic and gender backgrounds are invited to submit an entry to one of the UKs longest running and most prestigious competitions.
Competitors are required to produce a three-course celebration menu for two covers within three hours. This extended cook-off time was one of Matt’s first big changes to the competition as he wanted to give all chefs longer to create three courses to enable them to produce their finest work.
Entries are now open and chefs can go online to register. Once they have registered, they will then be kept informed throughout the entry process with any FAQs and deadline reminders. Chefs will have until Friday 10th May 2024 to complete their entries.
Matt Abé, chef patron at Restaurant Gordon Ramsay, said: “Entering National Chef of the Year is a great experience for chefs to really push themselves and test their own ability, as well as against their peers in the industry. Obviously, we are looking for the next winner but winning is not everything with this competition as there is so much to experience at whatever stage you get to.
“Simply knowing some of the best chefs we have here in the UK will get to see your dishes and give you honest feedback is a great reason to enter. Those who do get to the final will meet so many incredible chefs. Who knows what doors this opportunity could open for you in the future.”
National Chef of the Year menu criteria:
- Starter: Chefs are asked to create a fish, seafood or vegetarian dish that reflects their own identity and unique personality.
- Main Course: A lamb dish is required for the main course using two cuts of lamb from a series of alternatives. It should be suitably garnished and capable of being cooked within the extended three-hour period.
- Dessert: Competitors are required to produce a warm or cold chocolate dessert that showcases the flavours of Valrhona Chocolate.
Once the entry has closed 40 semi-finalists will be selected for the next stage by Matt Abé and his panel of judges and these will be revealed on Wednesday 26th June. Ten finalists will be selected to cook their original entry on Tuesday 8th October.
Register today and start your entry at: www.nationalchefoftheyear.co.uk.