Posted by Sunday Mail, UK on May 31, 2009 at 11:22:41:
We launch our search for young chef to design Great Scot menu
May 31 2009 Heather Greenaway
MOVE over Gordon Ramsay and Nick Nairn - we are on the hunt for a budding chef to design the menu for our Great Scot awards.
For the second year in a row, the Sunday Mail has teamed up with supermarket chain Morrisons to give one young cook the chance to dazzle the stars.
To celebrate 2009 as the Year of Homecoming, entrants are being asked to design a three-course meal that would entice family members back from abroad.
The winner's menu will be served up to 750 VIPs at the star-studded Great Scot awards at the Glasgow Hilton on September 19.
And the triumphant chef will be invited to see their meal being enjoyed by celebrities from the worlds of sport and entertainment.
The keen cook will be aged 16 to 24 and their starter, main course and dessert menu should use seasonal Scottish autumn produce.
The dishes will be judged by a distinguished panel including Sunday Mail columnist and chef Michael Kilkie, leading chef Steven Doherty, David Gardner, from Morrisons, and James Murphy, head chef at the Glasgow Hilton.
They will choose three finalists to take part in a cook-off at the Braehead Cook School in Kilmarnock in early August.
Last year the competition was won by Christopher Turnbull, 22, of Bonnybridge, Stirlingshire, who wowed judges with his scallop, lamb and white chocolate mousse menu.
Michael, who runs Jefferson's in Kilmarnock, said: "Last year's finalists were exceptional and showcased the great talent of Scotland's budding young chefs.
"I'm sure the standard will be just as high this year and I look forward to sampling the Homecoming menus, which should give a modern twist to our favourite dishes."
Fellow judge Steven, who became the first British head chef of a three star Michelin restaurant and is now director of the Braehead Cook School, said: "It's important for us to nurture the next generation of Scots chefs.
"There's lots of talent in Scotland, where great cooks are putting the country on the culinary map."
David Gardner, Morrisons' Director Scotland, said: "After the success of last year's contest we want to search Scotland for another menu that highlights the best Scottish cooking and produce.
"A Scottish Homecoming menu is the perfect way to inspire winning ideas, with the Great Scot awards 2009 the perfect place to enjoy it.
"You don't have to be a professional, you just need the ability to serve up dishes that impress."
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