The S.Pellegrino Young Chef 2018 Semi-Finalists have been announced and 5 of the 10 young chefs are proudly South African!
The S.Pellegrino Young Chef competition is a prestigious one for up and coming chefs across the world! Applications opened for 21 different geographic regions across the globe. South Africa dominated the Africa-Middle East region holding 5 of the 10 semi-final places!
The competition is judged internationally and locally. The semi-finalists were selected by a written work of their signature dish which was evaluated by experts at the world’s leading international educational and training centre for Italian Cuisine, ALMA. They looked at ingredients, skill, genius, beauty and message.
“This is a competition characterised by a strong internationality, where all the participants enter into a mood of gastronomic cultural exchange from the beginning.”
“Ambition and curiosity are fundamental, and ALMA pays particular attention to ethics. We believe that in order to become a great chef, we must have, and communicate, deep and firm values: consistency, cleanliness, rigour, and willingness to learn and improve continuously. I believe those principles are indispensable.” – Matteo Berti, Alma’s Director of Education
Meet the 5 chefs that are making South Africa proud!
Bianca Strydom
Chef de partie at The Restaurant at Waterkloof in Somerset West, who will serve Rubus & Fresh Water
Garth Raubenheimer
Chef de partie at The Restaurant at Waterkloof, Somerset West, who will serve Langoustine in Granny’s Garden
Paul Prinsloo
Chef de partie at The Restaurant at Waterkloof, Somerset West, who will serve Salmon Up The River
Sheldon Raju
Chef at the Sheldon Raju Consultancy in Cape Town, who will serve On the Spice Trail
Vusumuzi Ndlovu
Sous chef at The Saxon in Johannesburg, who will serve Isicupho
The 2018 semi-finalists will now present their dishes to a panel of local judges. The judges will select the best young chef by December 2017, to represent the region on the global stage at the S.Pellegrino Young Chef 2018 Grand Finale in Milan. The best young chef in the world will be crowned in June 2018!
“One of the challenges for every young chef who participates in S.Pellegrino Young Chef is to know how to balance tradition with innovation.”
“Never stop learning and astonishing yourself. Curiosity is the key to success in life and work. Be proud of what you are doing and be proud of your job!” – Matteo Berti, Alma’s Director of Education
