Chefs provided a master class in cookery using the finest Manx ingredients yesterday (Sunday).
James Stubbs, from The Courthouse, Douglas, and Jean-Pierre Giuliani from Jean-Pierre’s Bistro, Ramsey, competed in the prestigious Chef of the Year final at the Isle of Man Food & Drink Festival.
Judging the final were Richard Ronan MHK, Minister for Environment, Food and Agriculture; top international chef Colin Clague, who hails from the Isle of Man and was the guest chef at the festival, and Janna Horsthuis, from competition sponsor Robinson’s.
They awarded James the title, a trophy, £500 cash and £500 for his restaurant to spend on advertising after he impressed them with his dish of Manx lamb’s liver, sautéed kale, beetroot croquettes, crispy shallots, smoked Manx bacon and vegetable crisps.
But they praised Jean-Pierre, saying both chefs were worthy finalists who had shown the imaginative dishes that could be created with the wide array of fresh, tasty local produce.
Jean-Pierre cooked up roast Manx tenderloin of pork filled with apple stuffing, drizzled with cider cream sauce with runner beans a la Francaise.
Meanwhile, the first ever Student Chef of the Year – contested by those studying Hospitality and Catering at the Isle of Man College of Further and Higher Education – was crowned.
Nicole Crawley, with her unique take on Manx lamb broth inspired by Heston Blumenthal, took home £250 and a trophy. Fellow finalist Dominik Woloszyk also won the judges’ admiration for his zesty grilled trout with potato and egg ravioli.
Both are NVQ level 3 students and work part-time at Douglas restaurant Barbary Coast.
Colin Clague, who studied at the College before an illustrious career working in some of the world’s finest restaurants, said the training there was ‘as good as any college in the British Isles’.
All the chefs had 35 minutes to create their dishes, with the pressure of a live audience while questions were put to them by comperes Tony Quirk, a leading local chef, and Chris Franklin, a College lecturer.
The dishes were judged on local content, taste and presentation.
Minister Ronan said:
‘The standard of all four dishes was superb and the competitions prove how versatile Manx produce is, whether used in hearty, traditional meals or recipes with a modern twist.
‘Increasingly, those shopping and eating out are demanding Isle of Man food and drink as they know they can rely on its quality and taste and realise its value to our economy.’
Janna Horsthuis said:
‘Robinson’s are delighted to sponsor these two competitions , which celebrate the skills of cooks on the Island plus the quality of Manx produce. Many local chefs purchase from our stores and we wish these winners every success in the future.’
The finalists’ recipes can be found on www.gov.im/food
The competitions were among the highlights of the two-day Isle of Man Food & Drink Festival, held in the Villa Marina Gardens and generously supported by Shoprite.
The Minister said:
‘The festival was our biggest and best to date, with thousands of people, locals and visitors alike, sampling the best of Isle of Man food and drink. I’d like to thank everyone who made it such a fantastic event.’
