Michelin-starred Simon Hulstone to cook for the UK in the 2011 Bocuse d'Or

Michelin-starred Simon Hulstone to cook for the UK in the 2011 Bocuse d'Or

Simon Hulstone, chef-proprietor of the Michelin-starred Elephant restaurant in Torquay, Devon, and the current Knorr National Chef of the Year, will represent the UK at the next Bocuse d'Or competition in 2011.

Hulstone, who was placed tenth in the prestigious culinary competition held in Lyon, France, this January, has been selected by the Academy of Culinary Arts to represent the UK for a second time.

It was initially unclear whether Hulstone would be able to enter the Bocuse d'Or as he failed to achieve the title of Master of Culinary Arts last month, which is normally prerequisite to enter the competition.

However, the Academy chose Hulstone based on his demonstration of an exceptional commitment to the culinary arts and his dedication to Bocuse d'Or.

To secure a place in the Final in Lyon in January 2011, Hulstone will compete in the European heat - the Bocuse d'Or Europe - in Geneva in June 2010. He will be supported by the Academy and a team including Brian Turner and John Williams, executive chef of the Ritz London.

Hulstone said that having competed in this year's Bocuse d'Or finals, he knows what it will take to get into the top five.

"My role is not just about competing but raising the bar for future British entries, if the industry gives us the right backing now then there's no reason why we can't give the Bocuse d'Or the exposure it deserves and even bring the title home," he said.

Hulstone's preparation for the 2011 competition will begin later this month when he will visit six of Denmark's top restaurants including Rene Redzepi's two-Michelin-starred Noma. In January 2010, he will work in some of Paris' most prestigious restaurants as part of his training.

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by Kerstin Kühn