A HIGHLY talented chef from Stratford is in the running for the UK’s most prestigious culinary title.
Laura Kimber, who work at Salt, is one of just 40 chefs shortlisted for National Chef of the Year.
To get to this stage of the competition, Laura had to create a three-course menu.
The theme for the starter was ‘This is me’ and chefs were asked to create a fish, seafood or vegetarian dish that reflected their own identity and unique personality.
A lamb dish was required for the main course using two cuts of lamb from a series of options. Judges wanted to see how the lamb element would be elevated using relevant complementary and seasonal ingredients, flavours, textures and techniques.
Competitors were also required to produce a warm or cold dessert which showcased chocolate as the focal point.
In a mission to take one of just ten places in the final, Laura, must now create an amusebouche or pre-dessert with the theme ‘a taste of summer’ using seasonal ingredients.
Chefs should bring this to life with a story of a personal food hero. It could be an inspirational chef, family member, mentor or industry personality that has inspired this dish.
Once all the entries have been received for this stage of the competition, a new panel of judges will whittle the 40 chefs down to ten finalists to compete in the cook-off at the University of West London in October.
Laura said: “I have admired this prestigious competition for years, so to be in the semi-final is a huge privilege. I’ve loved every part of the competition so far and the brief has been an incredible way for me to showcase my life now in the Midlands but has also allowed me to celebrate my home county of Hampshire.”
The winner will not only receive the most sought-after chef title in the UK, but they will take home a host of prizes including culinary experiences, equipment and trips of a lifetime.
