Taste of Grampian turns up the heat in hunt for young chefs

The next generation of chefs are being sought to enter the Scotch Beef Aspiring Young Chef’ competition again this year – as part of the Taste of Grampian annual food festival’s programme and celebrations.

The competition - designed around the Year of Food and Drink’s ‘Future of Food’ theme for June - will allow finalists to demonstrate their culinary talent at the prestigious event showcasing Grampian’s larder.

The Scotch Beef ‘Aspiring Young Chef’ challenge - sponsored by Quality Meat Scotland, Hospitality Industry Trust Scotland and North East Scotland College – is open to working commis chefs, college pupils and school pupils aged 16-19.  The final will take place at the Taste of Grampian festival on Saturday 6th June 2015 and will be judged by award-winning cook and food writer, Lady Claire Macdonald.

This year’s competitors - shortlisted from written applications by an independent judging panel - will don their aprons to create a two course menu comprising of a main course and dessert, using as much local produce as possible.   Those shortlisted will prepare and cook their bespoke recipes in the run-up to the event at the North East Scotland College City Campus on Sunday 24th May 2015 and the two chosen finalists will then battle it out at a live cook-off at the festival to determine the winner.

The gold award winner will receive a Hospitality Industry Trust Scotland Scholarship tailored to their future career; a £200 voucher for kitchen equipment; and a signed cook book.  The silver award winner will receive a £100 voucher with the shortlist receiving a £50 voucher.

John Gregor, Chairman of ToG and Executive Director at the ANM Group, said: “We are urging ambitious young people, early in their careers, to take advantage of this invaluable opportunity.   We want to inspire them to demonstrate their skills and have their talents recognised and rewarded in a friendly competitive environment.”

The competition is now in its second year and is free to enter; the deadline for written applications is Friday 8th May 2015.  Full details on how to apply are available on the Taste of Grampian website at www.tasteofgrampian.co.uk.