The two chefs from Ireland hoping to follow in the footsteps of Mark Moriarty's success in the 2015 S.Pellegrino Young Chef competition will have to wait another year after failing to advance to the final of this year's renewal.
The 2016 local sectional finalist was announced on the night as George Kataras of M Threadneedle Street, London, who will now go on to represent Ireland and the UK in the final of the S.Pellegrino Young Chef in Milan on 13 October.
Irish semi-finalists Alfonso Giugliano (pictured), of Cornerstone Restaurant in Cork, and Romuald Butaky of Avenue by Nick Munier in Dublinm competed as the Irish hopefuls on the night in front of local jurors including Ross Lewis, JP McMahon, Ollie Dabbous and Claude Bosi.
In 2015, Ireland’s Moriarty made history as the inaugural winner of the competition, wowing the judges with his Celeriac Baked in Barley and Fermented Hay and Cured and Smoked Celeriac with Toasted Hay Tea. The Dublin native was on hand to pass on the crown, as the reigning Ireland and UK semi-finalist and overall winner of the competition in 2015.
"This time last year I couldn’t quite believe what was happening," said Moriarty.
"It's such an exciting time and I wish George the best of luck in the final stage of the competition in October. It’s a shame to not see Alfonso or Romuald there, as they are both amazing chefs, but it’s great to have a representative for both Ireland the UK there. This competition changed my life in terms of opening up so many different opportunities for me and I’m excited for what’s next."
