Knockranny chef is 2011 Euro-Toques Young Chef of the Year ^Featured

Kamil competed against five other finalists, one of whom, Aisling Gallagher from Ballynahinch Castle, Galway, is also a GMIT Hotel School graduate.

The six finalists showcased their culinary expertise by each cooking a course for the presentation lunch in The Merrion Hotel. The ultimate challenge in the Euro-toques Young Chef competition was the culinary skills test which took place in Chapter One Dublin on Sunday 27 November.   Kami’s recipe for the culinary skills test was Roast Troncon of Achill Island Turbot, Dublin Bay Prawn Tortellini, Jerusalem Artichoke.

 

Kamil won an all-expenses paid stage at The Ivy, London's favourite restaurant, under Executive Chef Gary Lee, and a one-week stage at the award-winning Michelin star Chapter One restaurant in Dublin under the tutelage of Euro-toques head chef Ross Lewis. Each of the finalists also won a unique food experience with BIM and Failte Ireland.

Speaking on behalf of the judging panel, Ross Lewis commented on the high standard of skill and creativity from the finalists this year.

“There was a very high standard reflecting local and original cuisine that was thoughtful, clever and well crafted.  It was very hard to choose a clear winner today and they should be all extremely proud of

themselves.”

Head of the GMIT Hotel School, Cáit Noone, attended the final in Dublin and was very impressed with the overall talent and expertise demonstrated on the day.

“The GMIT Hotel School sends its congratulations to both Kamil and Aisling for their outstanding performances in this national event. Both produced dishes to a very high standard and commentary from guests on the day included 'the best meal I have ever had', high praise indeed considering many of the guests were highly acclaimed Irish chefs and food critics.”

“The work that takes places in the culinary arts programmes in the Hotel School is of an international standard and all credit goes to the Culinary Arts team in the school and the students for their ongoing pursuit of gastronomic excellence in the culinary arts field”, adds Ms Noone.

The Euro-toques Young Chef competition emphasises training and development, with the role of the mentor being central to the process.

This year's sponsors are BIM and Failte Ireland and their involvement reflects their recognition of the importance of chefs in building Ireland’s national and international food reputation, the pivotal role that ‘local food’ plays in this and, above all, their commitment to education and development in this sector.