Young chefs invited to invent South African inspired menu
A challenge has been set for young chefs as they have been asked to to design a new menu that has been inspire by the ingredients and the cooking of South Africa. The prize is an all expenses paid trip to this amazing country as well as undertaking some training at the most renowned restaurant in South Africa; The Tasting Rooms in Le Quartier Francais. The competition, called Cook South Africa! Is open to all cookery students aged up to 25 including those who already work in the industry.
Entrants must submit their own three-course menu, inspired by what they can learn about South African food and cooking, and using particular fruits in each course.
Following a paper-based first round, eight chefs will be invited to take part in a cook off final held in London in March 2014.
The winner will be flown to Cape Town, from where they will travel to Franschhoek, the culinary heartland of South Africa’s Western Cape. They will visit the new kitchens at The Tasting Rooms and spend a week learning to work alongside a team headed up by award-winning head chef Margot Janse.
There are also runners up prizes for the seven other finalists.
The competition has been launched as part of an ongoing campaign to promote fresh produce from South Africa, particular the flavour and season of its fruits. There is also a focus on the essential role farming is having on the development on the country.
Entry packs and posters for the competition have been sent out to catering colleges around the country.
They can be downloaded at www.beautifulcountrybeautifulfruit.com
