Semi finalists are selected from over 90 different countries, with each chef’s application and signature dish judges by experts from the ALMA, the International School of Italian Cuisine, based on ingredients, skill, genius, beauty and message.
Andrea Sinigaglia, general manager of ALMA, said: “Having to select only ten semi-finalists for each region when you are presented with so many fantastic candidates is not at all easy.
“It is also our responsibility to guide the candidates in such a way that makes the competition both realistic and educational. The S.Pellegrino Young Chef competition is not only a chance to emerge as a new talent, but also an opportunity to meet other young chefs from around the world and exchange ideas.”
Chefs Angela Hartnett, Alyn Williams, Philip Howard and Mickael Viljanen make up the judging panel for the UK and Ireland, with the local final being held in London on Wednesday, October 4th.
Twenty-one finalists will then progress to the Grande Finale, held in Milan in June 2018, with finalists assigned a mentor chef from a member of their regional jury.
The semi-finalists are:
David Scarpato - Scarpatos Catering
Michael Tweedie -The Oak Room at Adare Manor
Killian Crowley - Aniar Restaurant
Romuald Bukaty - The Clayton Hotel Dublin Airport
Lee-James Hickey - The Royal Air Force Club
Brandon Clemens - Kaspar’s at The Savoy
Francesco Di Marzio - The Greenhouse Restaurant, Mayfair
James Cousins - Restaurant Associates
Matthew Ramsdale - The Chester Grosvenor
Michael Turner - Bread Street Kitchen.