The final cook-off
FOURWAYS - Unilever Food Solutions has announced the finalists in its 2014 Chef of the Year Competition.
After weeks of suspense, the finalists in the 2014 Unilever Food Solutions Chef of the Year competition have been announced, and will face off in a showcase of culinary flair on 11 September in Durban.
Semi-finalists were selected from hundreds of finalists to compete fiercely in regional cook-offs in Durban, Johannesburg and Cape Town. Each semi-finalist was required to prepare a starter, main course and dessert from ingredients provided, which included the extra challenge of a ‘mystery basket’ of unknown and sometimes unusual ingredients.
A panel of tough judges tasted and commented on each dish, and finally selected six juniors and six seniors to compete in the final rounds. Johannesburg’s successful entrants include senior finalist Mluleki Luthuli of Radisson Blu Sandton and junior finalists Samantha Jones of Hilton Hotel Sandton and Kirsten Howell of Saxon Hotel.
All finalists will be competing for grand cash prizes, including first prizes of R15 000 for seniors and R10 000 for juniors.
Chefs will also compete in a further three categories – Creative Canapés, Confectionary Showcase and Bring Your Best Team of Four. These contestants were not subjected to the stress of a semi-final cook-off, but were chosen on the basis of their initial entries. With large sums going to these winners as well, the total prize money for the competition comes to a high-stakes total of R110 000.
“Entering its fourth decade, the Unilever Food Solutions Chef of the Year competition is a way for Unilever Food Solutions to pay tribute to the talented chefs in the South African culinary industry,” said Craig Elliott, executive chef of Unilever Food Solutions.
“We take pride in ensuring that that our chefs know that we appreciate their hard work and dedication to the industry and are committed to inspiring, motivating and encouraging them to continue doing the great work that they do through such rewarding competitions.”
Details: View 2013 highlights here:
Read our previous story here:
In search of culinary greatness
