John Cudmore has been announced as Aramark UK’s Chef of the Year for 2023.
Details
The annual competition, which recognises exceptional culinary talent within Aramark across the UK, saw seven Aramark chefs compete for the prestigious prize through a series of cooking challenges.
The final took place across two days in Aramark’s development kitchen, in its Farnborough headquarters. The competition featured a day of meals and culinary talent, during which the independently chosen national finalists were invited to create a two-course meal.
Aramark head chef John Cudmore was acknowledged as the winner after impressing the judging panel with his dishes. For his main course, Cudmore created a beetroot sea trout brandade with sweet-pepper chilli coulis, which was followed by caramelised rum pineapple, kiwi lime caviar and marshmallow sabayon for dessert.
Second place was awarded to Liam Davidson, who is chef manager at Robert Gordon University, in Aberdeen. Both Cudmore and Davidson were rewarded for demonstrating an outstanding understanding of texture, flavour, layers and colour.
Cudmore and Davidson will travel to Chile, in South America, to represent Aramark UK at the Aramark International Chef’s Cup in April. This competition is open to chefs who are currently employed within Aramark’s corporate catering services, the organiser of the competition.
Statements
Speaking about the competition, Paul Bloxham, culinary director, Aramark UK, commented, “The Aramark Chef of the Year competition celebrates much more than fantastic food – it demonstrates the amazing capabilities of our colleagues. I am so proud that we are able to gather together as an organisation and share these experiences. I want to congratulate John and Liam and all the other finalists on their amazing creations.”
Following the announcement, Cudmore commented, “I am honoured to have been awarded the title Aramark UK Chef of the Year 2023. As a chef, I am always looking for opportunities to be creative, and I would like to thank the team at Aramark UK and Paul Bloxham for coordinating such an amazing event. Congratulations to all involved in this wonderful day of food showmanship. I’m looking forward to the next step of the competition!”
Read More: Aramark Ireland Names David Joyce Chef Of The Year
© 2023 Hospitality Ireland – your source for the latest industry news. Article by Dave Simpson. Click subscribe to sign up for the Hospitality Ireland print edition.
