Word on the str-EATS TUCO has found its latest Street Chef
Word is out on the final of the 2016 TUCO Street Chef of the Year and the winner has been announced.
Once again the two-day TUCO competitions saw the on-trend return of the Street Food Chef. Thanks to the growing interest in TUCO competitions, this year Street Chef saw its edition in the event's brand new home at Warwick University from the 21st-22nd March. Open to all TUCO members and University Chefs from Junior to Sous, wanna-be top Street Chef finalists came together to whip up their very own takes on what should constitute a street worthy masterpieces. Given only two hours to demonstrate their culinary feel and flair for this hot food trend, the participants had to prep from scratch and present 2xcovers of 3 dishes before the judges: a veggie option, a chicken dish, and a sustainable fish dish.
As official partners of TUCO, each of the finalists was given the option of using one or more of our Major products to enhance and add flavour to their dishes. Prior to the event, they were able to contact the company for free samples to practice with and use in their culinary creations. From our Mari-Base range they could include Barbecue, Bombay, Fajita, Piri Piri, Oriental, Tandoori, Caribbean Jerk, Moroccan, Honey Lemon & Mustard, Thai or Mediterranean. They were given the option of using any of our aromatic Pan Asian Broths: Beef, Chicken, Vegetable; our Hickory & Applewood liquid seasoning; or a choice of our Stock Base Powders: Beef, Chicken, Vegetable or Fish.
Heat one saw the return of veteran; three times Street Chef Champion James Tudor from Keele University. Presenting a veritable world street tour from Sicilian inspired Arancini to South American Tacos, he came up against equally as international concepts as he cooked off in round one against Chefs from Royal Holloway University of London, Exeter, East Anglia, Reading, Leicester, Brighton and Warwick, whose dishes were equally as multiethnic. From handmade Falafel, to Peruvian bean salads, Korean style Kimchi and even a Posh take on our British time-honored take away fish and chips, the menus were definitely far reaching ensembles.
Heat two saw the battle of the two Edinburghs, College versus Uni. Manning their kitchen stations the two Edinburghs were not alone, coming up against the menus of Kent, St Andrews, Manchester, Chester, Forth Valley and Lancaster. However, on the day it was the winning menu of Matthew Crooks from East Anglia, which finally kicked the other contestants to the curb. Runners up saw 2nd place go to Janet Szypillo from Exeter and 3rd place and best newcomer to the event Stuart Mitchell from Edinburgh University.
“It is always a treat to see what the chefs can pull together on the day,” said Brian Eastment, Executive Development Chef at Major and judge to the competition. “This year saw an even bigger fusion of flavours and styles. With street food on the up, and everyone looking to discover the latest hot trend, it is an ever growing market and an exciting area to work in.”