Euro-Toques Ireland has named its six finalists for Young Chef of the Year 2016, with chefs from the likes of Restaurant FortyOne at Residence, Aniar, Canteen Celbridge making it onto the shortlist.
The competition is open to chefs between the ages of 18 t0 26 and has previously had winners such Mark Moriarty and Ruth Lappin of Patrick Guilbaud's. The final will see the chefs cook two courses for a panel of judges that will include two Michelin star chef Nathan Outlaw on November 27 in Dublin, reports the Irish Times.
The six finalists are Maeve Walsh of Restaurant FortyOne at Residence; Killian Crowley of Aniar; Gary Doyle of Canteen Celbridge; Chris Fullam of Old Street on Malahide; Marc McWilliams of The Brooklodge and Strawberry Tree restaurant in Wicklow; and Glen Sutcliff of The Marker Hotel.
This year's competition had the theme of 'Inspiration', with Crowley referencing foraging as his source of inspiration, Doyle discussing his love of Irish ingredients, Fullam the creation of a sourdough loaf and Sutcliffe being inspired by horticulture. The winner will be invited to do an all-expenses paid work experience at 'Restaurant Nathan Outlaw'.
Graham Neville, Commissioner General of Euro-Toques Ireland, said: "I am really excited about the competition this year. The standard is extremely high and it is a joy to see in the 29th year of this competition that there is such an abundance of culinary talent in Ireland."
