Elior UK reveals four Culinary Competition finalists

Contract caterer Elior UK has revealed the four finalists for its internal 2020 Culinary Competition in advanced of the winner being declared in March.

Jessica Simpson, Sam Walton, Andrew Biggs and Mark Kinzel were chosen to go forward and serve their winning dishes at Elior UK’s Awards for Excellence on 18 March.

They were selected from ten chefs from across the business who competed in the final at Unilever’s Chefmanship Centre in Leatherhead, Surrey. The finalists were tasked with developing and cooking a two-course celebration lunch for two people with three canapés.

Judges includes Peter Griffiths, president of the British Federation of Chefs; Martyn Nail, executive chef of Claridge's hotel, London; Steven Fitzsimmons, executive chef of AJ Bell Stadium; and Robin Givens, managing director of contracts at Elior UK.

Elior UK’s food development director, Peter Joyner, said: “Congratulations to our four finalists – I hope you enjoy serving up your prized dishes to your colleagues and friends at the Elior awards dinner next month. Also, well done to all competing chefs – it takes dedication and skill to develop and execute your own menus under pressure.

“Our Culinary Competition, amongst other internal contests, is a brilliant opportunity for chefs to boost their careers, get in front of senior members of the team, and learn key skills for the future.”

The overall winner will be announced on 18 March at Elior UK’s Awards for Excellence.