McCormick Flavour Solutions is proud to be sponsoring this year’s Craft Guild of Chefs’ Graduate Awards, the ultimate way for rising chefs to really make their mark in the industry.
With Paul Gayler MBE signed up as chairman of examiners for the third year, the awards give chefs aged 23 and under the chance to test the skills they learnt in college and honed in the workplace.
Testament to the calibre of graduates, previous achievers include the likes of Richard Edwards, executive chef at Lords of the Manor, who recently earned his first Michelin star in his own right.
Successful candidates have to pass a number of culinary challenges in a high pressured environment and achieve a score of 85% if they reach the final exam, which includes butchery and fishmongery tests, a mystery basket challenge and the creation of a classic main and dessert.
Aside from the chance to win a coveted place in the Graduate Awards hall of fame, entrants who pass the paper entry stage and the regional cooking test get the chance to take part in a day of masterclasses with industry greats alongside a host of other gastronomic treats in the capital.
Last year’s mentor day included a fun, educational Q&A with pastry chef Graham Hornigold from Michelin-starred Hakkasan Mayfair, an entertaining dinner with Cyrus and Pervin Todiwala with a look at flavours from across India and trips to Smithfield market and Billingsgate fish school.
Al Thaker, Marketing Manager for McCormick Flavour Solutions, said: “These awards have garnered much respect since their inception 12 years ago and we are proud to be able to get behind chefs as they strive to climb the career ladder. It’s no mean feat passing the challenges involved and we wish each candidate the best of luck.”
Awards co-ordinator Steve Munkley said: “We’d like to thank McCormick for coming on board and helping us launch new, exciting elements, particularly in relation to the mentor day and social media surrounding the awards. We are now looking forward to seeing which chefs take on the challenge.”
IMPORTANT DATES
Paper entries closing date – 3rd May
Regional cooking test – 5th June (Sheffield College and University of West London)
Mentor day for finalists – w/c 13th July
Final exam – 27th August (Birmingham University College)
Cocktail presentation evening – 4th September (The Lancaster London)
To download an entry form, visit www.craftguildofchefs.org. For more information, email enquiries@craftguildofchefs.org or call 0208 948 3870. For live updates, follow the Craft Guild of Chefs on Twitter @Craft_Guild #CGCGradAwards.