Sean Hunter, executive chef of the Guinness Storehouse, has been named Aramark Ireland’s Chef of the Year 2024.
The annual competition, which showcases the talent of chefs across Aramark Ireland, saw nine culinary experts compete for the prize through a series of cooking challenges.
The final took place at the Technological University of Dublin’s (TUD) Tallaght campus on Thursday, 16 November.
Expert Panel
As part of the competition, participants had to create a vegan starter and a main course featuring wild Irish game.
The chefs were encouraged to demonstrate a wide range of skills within the allotted time, showcasing their unique interpretations of taste and flavour.
All dishes were judged by an expert panel, which featured TUD lecturer, Denise Murray, Redmond Fine Foods owner and director, Rocky Redmond, and Derek Reilly, executive director of culinary at Aramark Ireland and Avoca.
The Winner
Executive chef Sean Hunter was declared the winner of the competition following his presentation of a two-course meal to the judging panel.
The starter consisted of a stunning organic beetroot ‘Tartare’ sourced from Iona Fruit Farm, served with a golden beetroot gel ‘yolk’, a beetroot liquid veil, beetroot crisp and smoked almonds.
For his main course, Hunter presented a curried Wicklow sika deer, complemented by Bombay potato tuile aubergine puree, a date chutney cone, and a Predator Zinfandel jus.
'Culinary Culture'
“I am delighted to receive this award and be given the opportunity to represent Ireland at the Aramark International Chefs Cup," said Sean Hunter.
"This competition is an excellent opportunity to celebrate the range of skills and an incredible example of the produce and culinary culture of Ireland."
Runner Up
The competition’s runner-up was Jake Gamboa, Hospitality Chef de Partie at AIB Molesworth Street.
Gamboa served a ‘Adobo’ glazed tender-stem broccoli with broccoli puree, pickled shallot and a roasted hazelnut dressing for a starter.
For the main course, Gamboa served venison with butternut squash moons, cavolo nero, pumpkin seed and pecan nut granola, plum and espresso jus and coffee butter.
Grand Final
The winner and runner-up have qualified to represent Aramark Ireland at the Aramark International Chefs Cup in Canada.
The grand final is due to take place in June 2024.
'Culinary Artistry'
"Participating in the Aramark Ireland Chef of the Year event is a true honor, and I am thoroughly impressed by the culinary excellence demonstrated by our chefs," said Derek Reilley, executive director of Culinary Aramark Ireland & Avoca.
"At Aramark, we have always valued the skills and talents of our staff, and I extend my gratitude to all the participants for sharing their culinary artistry.”
