Save
The temperature is rising in the biggest talent show for young chefs in the world as the regional finals are nearing a close in the biggest talent search for the best young chef in the world.
The Africa and Middle East heat of S.Pellegrino Young Chef 2020 took place in Cape Town on 14 October when the ten best young chefs from the United Arab Emirates, Lebanon, South Africa and Turkey competed in the live cooking competition. Chef Paul Thinus Prinsloo was crowned as the regional finalist as well as three other award winners.
A local jury, of five professional chefs, were tasked with the challenging job of selecting the winner and their signature dish to will represent the region at the Grande Finale S.Pellegrino Young Chef 2020, namely; Grégoire Berger, Maksut Aşkar, Michélle Theron, Myriam Ettahri and Youssef Akiki.
Paul Thinus Prinsloo, Chef de Partie at The Restaurant at Waterkloof in Cape Town's signature dish of Bouillabaisse 2.0, a contemporary interpretation of a classic based on the traditional Provençal fish stew originating from France was the dish to wow the judges on the day. Speaking of his win the elated young chef said, “I’m really excited to be competing in the Finale in Milan next year. There were a few mistakes on my part under the pressure today but I am always striving for perfection. I will be ready when I go up against the top Chefs in Milan”.
To reflect S.Pellegrino’s belief in, and support of, the transformative power of gastronomy and it’s impact beyond the kitchen, three other awards were given in addition to the existing S.Pellegrino Young Chef award: All of the winners of these additional three awards will also be invited to attend the Grand Finale, affording them another opportunity to network with some of the biggest names in gastronomy from around the globe. Here they are:
Fine Dining Lovers Food for Thought Award
Voted for by the online Fine Dining Lovers community, this award is for the young chef who best represents their personal belief through their dish.
Winner: Marcus Gericke from Qunu Restaurant in Johannesburg took this award for his dish, Remembrance (Quail Consommé).
S.Pellegrino Award for Social Responsibility
Voted by an internationally recognized voice on sustainability in food, for the dish that will represent the principle of socially responsible practices.
Winner: Callan Austin from Le coin Français, Cape Town took this award for his dish, The Ghost Net.
Acqua Panna Award
Voted for by mentors representing 50 countries around the world, for the dish that will be the one that reflects the perfect connection between different cultures on the plate.
Winner: Elissa Abou Tasse from Ritage by Maroun Chedid, Beirut, Lebanon took the award for her dish, Adam’s Garden.
Keep up to date with all the news on #spyoungchef
