County’s greatest culinary talents battle it out for Norfolk Chef of the Year title

The eight finalists took to the kitchens at City College Norwich (CCN) to concoct a starter and a main course from their proposed menus, whilst their dessert option was left in the hands of the judges.

The six judges asked the talents from across Norfolk to make a floating island, a French dish of meringue floating on creme anglaise.

Joe Mulhall is the head of hospitality at CCN, and as a former lecturer taught many of the contestants.

He said: 'As usual it's been a real pleasure to be involved with the Chef of the Year competition. It's been no surprise with the calibre of the contestants that the quality has been so high this year, and it's fantastic that more than 80pc of the contestants have come through this college.'

Chefs from left, Charlie Wilson, Chris Avey, Daniel Freear, and Jeremy Park, taking part in the Chef of the Year competition for the Food and Drink Awards 2018. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

The contestants this year have ranged in terms of age and culinary specialism.

Chris Avey is the oldest finalist at the age of 52, and specialises in vegan cooking. He said: 'It'd be great to win an accolade like this for the recognition.

'I was the only vegan cook and I think veganism is a trend at the moment because it's so much more accessible to the public. I take a lot of my inspiration from Asian cuisine, and I think my dishes went well today.'

Jeremy Park, 44, has entered the competition before. The Season and Seafood grill chef said: 'For me the winning isn't about the gain for me. I do a lot of work with younger people who I mentor through competitions like this, as well as schools, and I think the recognition would inspire them.'

Chef Trevor Clarke, from the Dukes Head Hotel, at work during the Chef of the Year competition for the Food and Drink Awards 2018. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

The eight contestants will be narrowed down to three finalists in the next few days, before the winner is announced on August 10 at the Norfolk Food and Drink Awards.

Steve Thorpe is the assistant principle at CCN, and said: 'Usually there's one clear winner, or it's a choice between two. This year the calibre has been so high that it's very close.'

Chef Matthew Lovatt, from the Assembly House, at work during the Chef of the Year competition for the Food and Drink Awards 2018. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

Chef Mark Elvin, from the Boars, at work during the Chef of the Year competition for the Food and Drink Awards 2018. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

A main course by chef Mark Elvin at the Chef of the Year competition for the Food and Drink Awards 2018. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

Chefs from left, Matthew Lovatt, Mark Elvin, Jaime Garbutt, and Trevor Clarke, taking part in the Chef of the Year competition for the Food and Drink Awards 2018. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)