Chefs with a passion for cooking with fresh local ingredients are invited to compete for the title Isle of Man Chef of the Year.
An entry form and information can be obtained from the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture (DEFA) – ring 685856 or visit www.gov.im/foodanddrink The closing date for entries is 27th May.
Chefs must submit recipes with their entry forms and ingredients should, as far as possible, be Manx grown or produced.
Shortlisted chefs will cook in front of a knowledgeable audience at the Isle of Man Queenie Festival on Sunday 3rd July. Two finalists will then go head to head for the title at the Isle of Man Food & Drink Festival on Sunday 18th September.
The winner will receive £500 cash plus advertising to the same value for their place of work, a trophy and a certificate.
Richard Ronan MHK, Minister for Environment, Food and Agriculture, said demonstrating the quality, taste and versaility of Manx produce was important to ‘Food Matters’, his Department’s strategy to grow the value of the food and drink sector.
‘When eating out, diners are increasingly seeking out establishments that use Manx produce,’ he said. ‘Not only does eating Manx mean money goes back into the local economy and supports local jobs; it also guarantees a great-tasting meal and fewer food miles.
‘Chefs are using the wonderful array of Manx produce to create ever-more innovative menus and we invite them to showcase their signature dishes in this competition, which is again generously sponsored by Robinson’s’
Janna Horsthuis, from Robinson’s, said: ‘The competition celebrates both the culinary talent of the Island’s chefs and the quality of local produce.
‘We are committed to supporting and promoting the excellence and diversity of Manx growers and producers. Many local chefs purchase produce from our stores and we would encourage them all to compete for this prestigious award.’
The launch of the 2016 competition was held at the The Courthouse, Douglas, today – see video.
James Stubbs, the restaurant and bar’s head chef, was crowned 2015 Chef of the Year. He said: ‘The competition provides a fantastic opportunity for chefs to showcase their skills and gain valuable publicity for themselves and their place of work.
‘We benefited greatly from the coverage of the competition and I would really recommend chefs to enter this challenging and rewarding competition.’
For the second time, the contest will be complemented by an Isle of Man Student Chef of the Year competition for students on hospitality and catering courses at the Isle of Man College of Further and Higher Education.
Thirty students will cook up their favourite dishes at the College in June, with four going through to heats at the Queenie Festival and the title to be decided at the Isle of Man Food & Drink Festival. James will be among the judges.
The winner of this competition, also sponsored by Robinson’s, will receive £250, a trophy and a certificate.
Last year, Nicole Crawley won the title with her unique take on Manx lamb broth.
There are links to the competition on the Facebook page Isle of Man Food & Drink and Twitter feed @iomfoodanddrink
