National finalists for YCYW

The young chefs competed in a series of culinary challenges in the kitchen, while the waiters took part in a number of informative tutorials in wine, cheese, beer and coffee before putting their skills to the test in front of the judges. Eight chefs and eight waiters, all aged under 25 years, will go forward to compete at Westminster Kingsway College next Tuesday (30 September) for the 2008 titles. The chef finalists from Darlington are Rose Greene – The Balmoral Hotel, Steven Evans – Northcote Group, and chefs from Birmingham who will be battling it out are Alejandro Jose Cancino – Le Manoir Aux Quat' Saisons, Ben Mullins – Lucknam Park Hotel, and Chris Lovell – The Elephant. Talented chefs taking part from Thames Vallley will be Sean Enslin – Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester, Adam Smith – The Ritz, and Tristin Farmer – Gordon Ramsay at Claridges. Competing in the waiter finalists from Darlington are William Bonfield – The Boxtree Restaurant, Katie Watson – Gleneagles Hotel, Matthew Randall – Harvey Nichols Manchester. And Birmingham will see Thomas Mercier – The Vineyard at Stockcross, Mayta Meza – Opus Restaurant, and Matthew Balman – Gidleigh Park, compete for the coveted title. Last but not least, competing in the Thames Valley region will be Barbara Riotti – The Goring, and Marco Fusato – The Ritz. All these finalists have won an invitation to visit Champagne Besserat de Bellafon in Epernay. The winners of the final will also be presented with a cheque for £2000, plus a gastronomic stay in London, including a visit to the Restaurant Show, dinner at Chez Bruce and lunch in the Krug Room at The Dorchester. A range of award-winning knives from Gustav Emil Ern, courtesy of Gilberts Food Equipment for the chef and a selection of fine wines for the waiter, is also part of the first prize. Each winner's establishment will receive a Pronto 4 Counter-Top Ice Cream Maker from Carpigiani.