The finalists are:
Zhaokun Xu, demi chef de partie/head chocolatier, The Savoy
Sam Pugh, pastry sous chef, The Lowry Hotel, Manchester
Javier Millet, sous chef, Lexington Catering at Knight Frank
Ben Sulston, executive chef, Sevenoaks School
Paul Clark, chef lecturer, Cumbernauld College
Frank O’Connor, chef lecturer, Galway Mayo Institute of Technology
Held in association with the Craft Guild of Chefs, the competition is a chance for chefs to put their creative skills to the test and help put desserts back on the menu.
Sarah Frankland, Mövenpick’s Gourmet Dessert Chef of the Year 2012, who will be joining this year’s judging panel, said: “Each recipe created by our finalists is testament to the opportunity desserts give chefs to demonstrate their passion and creative flair. If they all taste as good as they look, it’s going to be a very tough decision.”
“As a former contestant myself, I know how much pressure the finalists will be under on the day, but I’m excited to see them bring their creations to life.”
Fellow judge Allan Pickett, head chef at Plateau, added: “Having competed in a host of competitions throughout my career, I’m a huge supporter of initiatives like these, which really give chefs the chance to raise their profile and showcase their creativity and skills.
“We’ve had entries from a wide range of hospitality establishments across the country and each chef has brought something truly unique to the table.”
Joining Frankland and Pickett on the judging panel are Gary Hunter, head of culinary arts, hospitality and food & beverage service at Westminster Kingsway College, Mövenpick’s development chef Tim Futter, and Stockpot editor Sheila Eggleston.
The winner of the competition will receive a luxury weekend for two in Switzerland, the home of Mövenpick Ice Cream, with two runners up receiving £200 vouchers for a restaurant of their choice.
Finalists can be viewed on the competition website: http://www.movenpick-icecreamcompetition.co.uk/finalists