Ramond Blanc will join more than ten other celebrated industry chefs to judge Sodexo’s top talent as they go head-to-head in a 90-minute live cook off at London’s ExCeL.
National Chef of the Year 2014 winner Russell Bateman, L’Ecrivain proprietor Derry Clarke and Alyn Williams of Restaurant Alyn Williams are also among the judging line up.
The prize for the winner includes the experience of working alongside Raymond Blanc and his team at the new Jardin Blanc Hospitality Village and Queen Elizabeth II Suite at RHS Chelsea Flower Show in May, a partnership between Blanc and Sodexo.
David Mulcahy, Sodexo culinary director, said: “I’m proud to announce our best-ever judging line up for Sodexo Chef of the Year. Many of the judges have strong links with our business and having them as judges for the live final demonstrates the commitment and emphasis we place on culinary excellence at Sodexo.
“We have new partnerships this year with Raymond Blanc at RHS Chelsea Flower Show and Ascot Racecourse; James Tanner is a consultant chef to our independent schools business; Lewis Hamblet’s son Tom spent a day working with our team at Henley Royal Regatta after winning Springboard’s FutureChef last year, and Alyn Williams and Russell Bateman return as judges from Sodexo Chef of the Year 2015.
“Our chef finalists have already had the chance of working with the judges at our mentor day, and the winner will have the fantastic opportunity of working with Raymond Blanc at our new partnership at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.
“I’m delighted we have been invited to enter a team in La Parade des Chefs. As one of only eight teams competing that week, and one of two teams from the foodservice sector, this will not only be a showcase for Sodexo but an opportunity to develop our Sodexo culinary team to compete once again at this level.”
Sodexo is partnering the Springboard Student Centre at Hotelympia. Sodexo teams will be on hand to talk to young people looking to get into the hospitality industry.
Sodexo Chef of the Year judges
Raymond Blanc OBE, Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons
Derry Clarke, L’Ecrivain
Russell Bateman, Colettes, The Grove
Alyn Williams, Restaurant Alyn Williams
Lewis Hamblet, South Lodge, Horsham
Mark Hill, The House of Commons
Ben Tish, Salt Yard Group
Olivier Geyer, Leathams
Dan Doherty, Duck and Waffle
James Tanner, The Kentish Hare
Sarah Hartnett, Chef Patissiere
Vivek Singh, Cinnamon Kitchen