Competition heats up as finalists announced in annual Chefs’ Challenge

A shortlist of finalists has been announced by Conference Centres of Excellence for the 16th annual Chefs’ Challenge competition, to be held on October 25th in Milton Keynes.

The long established competition invites chefs who work in any of the nationwide Conference Centres of Excellence venues to take part in a cook-off competition where their skills are put to the test with specific criteria for their menu, providing an opportunity to test culinary talents in a head-to-head competition with exceptional standards.

This year’s cook-off, supported by partners and sponsors British Premium Meats, Tchibo Coffee International, Wilson Vale and Kent Frozen Foods, is to be held at Milton Keynes College, followed by a celebratory awards dinner held during the evening at Cranfield Management Development Centre.

The competition also includes a Food Service Skills award, to encourage food service staff to take part and support their chef colleague, competing for their own best service skills award and the Chairman’s award for best team.

For Conference Centres of Excellence this event is an additional component to their strategy of continuous quality assurance and is a great opportunity to recognise the achievements of their members’ chefs and a celebration of exceptional food.

This year once again saw an exceptional standard of entries, and the 10 finalists, shortlisted from their detailed menu presentation are:

• Ashley Harrison, College Court

• Iain Ramsay, The Beardmore Hotel and Conference Centre

• Jennifer Chaudhuri-Goff, Maple House

• Matt Wiltshire, Ashorne Hill

• Ashley Holt, Wellcome Trust – supported by Cydney Nicholson-Ray for Food Service Skills

• Claire Willett, Wyboston Lakes – supported by Josh Spence for Food Service Skills

• Jason Turton, College Court – supported by Richard Augustus for Food Service Skills

• Keith Tayler, Scarman Warwick Conferences – supported by Kimberley Tayler for Food Service Skills

• Kieron Toner, Wyboston Lakes – supported by Linda Zilberta for Food Service Skills

• Robert Gossage, Burleigh Court – supported by James Geary for Food Service Skills

Amanda Stacey, Marketing Manager at Conference Centres of Excellence said “Quality of food and exceptional service standards are so important for an excellent venue experience, and our venues consistently raise the bar higher and higher. Our annual competition is the perfect opportunity for chefs and their service teams to showcase their incredible talents and abilities, and we wish all the finalists the very best of luck.”