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 +44 1624 685856 or visit www.gov.im/foodanddrink The closing date for entries is 12 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 before a panel of judges at the University College Isle of Man (UCM) on 29 June.
Two finalists will be selected to compete for the title in the final at the Isle of Man Food & Drink Festival on Sunday 17 September.
The winner will receive £500 cash plus advertising to the same value for their place of work, a trophy and a certificate.
Geoffrey Boot MHK, Minister for Environment, Food and Agriculture, said demonstrating the quality, taste and versatility of Manx produce is important to ‘Food Matters’, his Department’s strategy to grow the value of the food and drink sector.
‘Increasingly, people seek out high quality, fresh and tasty Manx produce when dining out and more and more eating establishments are featuring Manx on their menus in response.
‘This competition, which is again generously sponsored by Robinson’s, challenges chefs to use the wide variety of Manx ingredients in clever and imaginative ways to tantalise the tastebuds.’
The launch of the 2017 competition was held at Robinson’s, today.
Janna Horsthuis, from Robinson’s, said:
‘The competition celebrates both the culinary talent of Isle of Man chefs and the wonderful local produce available.
‘We are committed to supporting and promoting the excellence and diversity of Manx growers and producers. Many local chefs purchase produce from us and we would encourage them all to compete for this prestigious award.’
Zaneta Krol, chef at Haworths restaurant in Douglas, was crowned 2016 Chef of the Year. She 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 encourage chefs to enter this challenging and rewarding competition.’
For the third 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 UCM.
Twenty students will cook their favourite dishes on 29 June, with two going through to the final at the Isle of Man Food & Drink Festival.
The winner of this competition, also sponsored by Robinson’s, will receive £250, a trophy and a certificate. Last year, the title was taken by John McMullen with his unique take on rack of lamb.
There are links to the competition on the Facebook page Isle of Man Food & Drink and Twitter feed @iomfoodanddrink
