Young chefs step up to the plate for new Ara competition 

_{Young chefs will be exepcted to display versatility and innovation in the kitchen}

The new Waitaha Canterbury Young Chef Championship might just be the hottest ticket in town. 

With entries now closed, bench spaces for all three categories in the inaugural challenge series are booked up. 

The event, which has been created by Ara Institute of Canterbury with support from key industry players and the Ara Foundation, will take place in the commercial training kitchens at Ara’s City campus on 16 June. 

Ara Department of Hospitality and Service Industries tutor Mark Sycamore said young chefs from many well-known Christchurch restaurants were taking part, with many Ara alumni returning to campus to vie for a title. 

He said organisers had been delighted with the interest and support for the new event.  

“Local establishments and our industry sponsors match our passion for nurturing the next generation of culinary stars. We know we’ve found a great new way to celebrate and encourage new talent in the sector and hope this event will have a positive impact on the local hospitality scene.”

_{Mark Sycamore is looking forward to welcoming many Ara-trained chefs back for the new championships}

The Waitaha Canterbury Young Chef Championship has three categories including Young Pastry Chef of the Year (sponsored by Silikomart), Trainee Chef of the Year (sponsored by Akaroa Salmon) and Young Chef of the Year backed by Catering Hardware. 

An exciting prize package awaits the winners and their employers, including the chance to feature on a high-profile billboard. 

“We're excited to offer this opportunity to gain visibility and recognition - not only for the winning chef but also their employer,” Sycamore said. “It’s often members of our local business sector who give young chefs their first opportunity in this exciting industry.” 

Sycamore said top judges will bring experienced eyes, tuned tastebuds and a strict marking criterion to the event.   

The young chef category will focus on overall culinary excellence, pushing competitors to demonstrate their versatility and innovation in the kitchen. The young pastry chef winner will need to display a mastery of flavor combinations and plating techniques to win the dessert category.

Sycamore said the emerging talent category would also be one to watch. 

“The Trainee Chef of the Year is tailored for aspiring chefs currently enrolled in recognised cookery programmes,” Sycamore said.  “With 20 applicants we’ve had to extend this class into two heats,” he said, noting that it had been popular with Ara’s Level Three dual enrolment students who attend classes while still at secondary school.  

"It’s very rewarding seeing their growth in confidence and we're looking forward to seeing them aproned up and good to go.”