Chef of the Year and the winner is...
by Hammersmith and Fulham Press Office
23/11/2006
A butcher’s son has been named Chef of the Year after giving his competitors the chop in Hammersmith and Fulham Council’s first gourmet restaurant competition.
Jacky Lelievre, Head Chef at the Butcher’s Hook on Fulham Road, competed against four other finalists in the Chef of the Year competition, hosted by Hammersmith & West London College.
The aim of the competition, which has seen restaurant entries across the Borough undergo tough judging criteria, promoted food hygiene, nutritional value, cooking and presentation techniques. The competitors served up a range of culturally inspired starters and main courses and were presented with their awards by the Mayor of Hammersmith, Cllr Minnie Scott Russell.
Speaking about his win, in which he served up seasonal dishes using local produce, Jacky, who is from Brittany in France said: “This win is a real reward for me and the people I work with, we work really hard to give our customers the best. As a son of a butcher my favourite dishes generally consist of meat – the venison I used today came from a local supplier and is cholesterol free so very healthy! The facilities at the College were top class, better than some of the restaurants I’ve worked in!”
Judging the competition were top restaurateur Ruth Rogers from the River Café, ex-editor of food magazine Delicious Mitzy Wilson and Hospitality & Catering Manager at the Hammersmith & West London College, Sheila Fraser-Whyte. All were very impressed with the range of flavours and styles but were unanimous about the winner.
Speaking at the event, the Mayor and Hammersmith and Fulham said; “I’m thrilled that this competition has been initiated by Hammersmith & Fulham Council, the variety of dishes is a true reflection of the cultural mix of the Borough. Congratulations to everyone and of course to the winner, the Butcher’s Hook. The award will provide customers with a tangible benchmark of the quality of food on offer.”
The competition was sponsored by Nisbet, next day catering specialists.
The other finalists included; The Blue Elephant (Thai), Wadada’s Café (West Indies), Azou (North African), The Gate Restaurant (Vegetarian).
Winning dish:
Starter: Fillet of Mackeral, buckwheat pancake with a beetroot and cucumber relish
Main: Char-grilled haunch of wild Venison, fricassee of artichoke, carrots, mushrooms, garlic and watercress.
