British Masterchef Brian Mellor has rescued a renowned competition for young chefs based in the North West.
The North West Young Chef of the Year competition was scrapped earlier this year when its originator, North West Fine Foods, was disbanded.
Now, Mellor (pictured), also a member of the Craft Guild of Chefs , has saved the title to give young chefs a platform on which to `test and hone their skills`.
“Having to shelve NW Young Chef of the Year came as a great blow across the industry and I was asked if I could save it,” he said: “The first thing I did was ask contenders, judges and restaurants if they actually wanted the competition and the answer was a resounding ‘yes’.”
Essential Cuisine has returned as main sponsor with many other industry players offering their support, prizes, trips and stages.
The competition is open to all chefs aged between 18 and 25 currently working at a hospitality business in the North West. All entrants must prepare a three-course meal for two people at a cost of £25.
Regional heats for the competition will take place at Liverpool Community College on February 9, Kendal College in Cumbria on February 17 and South Trafford College in Cheshire on February 26 before a live final in the spring.
Online entries must be received by January 16 2009. To enter, or for more information visit www.essentialcuisine.com
