Young chefs gear up for BCF challenge

The winner will be revealed at an awards dinner at the institution on Monday, November 16, following a cook off in the university's Molteni kitchens. The finalists, who must be 23 years old or under on 1st January 2010, are either already working in a UK restaurant or still training at college. They will have to impress the judges by creating a three course meal for two people, incorporating a fish starter using bream, main course using British pork and a sweet using pears and chocolate. The winner of the challenge will not only receive critical acclaim but will walk away with The David Bache Trophy, a cheque for £250, trip to Luxembourg, industry stage, personalised chef's jacket, framed certificate and commemorative plate from Villeroy & Boch. Chefs in second and third place will receive a cheque for £150 and £100, respectively, chef's jacket, framed certificate and commemorative plate. This year's BCF Young Chef finalists are: • Matthew Willdig from Norton Canes, Cannock – Moat house, Acton Trussel, Stafford • Tom Edmunds from Alvechurch, Birmingham – Hyatt Hotel, Birmingham • Liam Davies from Ashgreen, Coventry – Manor Hotel, Meriden, Coventry • Luke Staton from Leek, Staffordshire – Keele University • Edward Attwell from Edgbaston, Birmingham – Loves Restaurant, Birmingham • Aaron Darnley from Shirley, Solihull – Edmund's Restaurant, Solihull • Liam Dillon from Birmingham – University College Birmingham • Gary Brown from Stockingford, Nuneaton – University of Warwick • Adam Degg from Erdington, Birmingham – New Hall Hotel, Erdington • Steven Allery from Pinner, Middlesex – Dorchester Hotel, London • Helen Evans from Birmingham – Simpsons Restaurant, Edgbaston, Birmingham • James Diprose from Romford, Essex – RAC Club, London • David Ingle from Windsor, Berkshire – Oakley Court Hotel, Windsor • Jack Allibone from London – House of Commons • Paul Kirk from Liverpool – Liverpool Community College • Jonathon Mills from Tachbrook, Leamington Spa – Mallory Court, Leamington Spa Over the years, the annual competition, sponsored by Electrolux Professional and supported by Villeroy & Boch, has discovered some talent from top hotels, restaurants and prestigious catering venues throughout the UK.