SIZZLING SUCCESS FOR MASTER CHEF AND YOUNG CHEF OF TOMORROW
The finalists of the Master Chef competition:
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Staffordshire has crowned the 2011 Taste of Staffordshire Master Chef and Young Chef of Tomorrow at a gala dinner and awards ceremony at The Moat House, Acton Trussell, attended by esteemed culinary professionals and a host of dedicated food sponsors.
Ruby Rainey, assistant chef at The Terrace Restaurant, Keele University, was awarded the 2011 Young Chef of Tomorrow, while Matthew Shropshall, chef lecturer at Staffordshire University won the coveted 2011 Master Chef award.
The winners were chosen after a challenging two hour ‘cook-off' at Stafford College during the day, which saw the 12 finalists, six contestants in each category, prepare a three course meal using seasonal Staffordshire ingredients, including red mullet and lamb, costing under £20.
Head judge and Lewis Partnership executive chef Matt Davies, who last week was awarded the prestigious Louis Cipolla National Chef of the Year Award, said: "It's only by investing time and rewarding the talent we have in the county that can we raise culinary standards across Staffordshire. The level at this year's competition was very high and it was hotly contested. I would like to congratulate both Matthew and Ruby on their success."
This year's Master Chef winner Matthew Shropshall has not only won the much coveted title, but also receives annual membership of the British Culinary Federation which will help to develop his professional skills, plus a cash prize of £1,250 and a commemorative silver salver.
The 2011 Young Chef of Tomorrow Ruby Rainey also won a commemorative silver salver and membership of the British Culinary Federation as well as £500 prize money. Ruby will also receive a week's work experience with Andreas Antona at Michelin star fine dining restaurant Simpsons, Birmingham.
On winning the Young Chef of Tomorrow Ruby said: "I'm so pleased to have won and I'm very much looking forward to my time at Simpsons. I would especially like to thank my mentor, Allan Jones, who actually won the Master Chef title back in 2009!"
Initiated by Taste of Staffordshire, the competition has gone from strength to strength since its inception in 2006, and is open to any chef aged 16 and upwards working in the catering industry in Staffordshire.
Taste of Staffordshire aims to raise standards and develop culinary talent across the county, as well as promote local dishes and produce, and celebrate Staffordshire's distinctive gastronomic appeal.
Matthew
Ruby
