Young Jersey chef competes for national crown

Sunday 16 June 2019

A Jersey hotel chef, who will next week pit his cooking wits against 21 others, is hoping to be crowned the nation's top young talent.

George Harding, recently appointed Chef de Partie at The Atlantic Hotel, is to take part in the semi-finals of the 'Young national Chef of the Year' competition on Tuesday 18 June.

He was selected for the competition, which challenges chefs to incorporate current trends and techniques to enhances their dishes, after enjoying success in a string of qualifying contests.

Pictured: George works at The Atlantic Hotel.

For this years semi-finals, the chefs will be asked to produce a seasonal main course using whole corn fed, free range chicken, a minimum of two appropriate garnishes (one must be a green vegetable) and an appropriate starch preparation. This dish will be accompanied by a suitable sauce.

The judges will be looking for a good understanding of basic craft skills, flavour, and the execution of finished dishes, as well as butchery skills, perfect garnishes and correct balance and flavour. 

Each participant will also be asked to create a 'classic lemon tart with a twist' which will show their own personal interpretation of the brief. This challenge will focus on the perfect pastry, an excellent filling and clean flavours. 

Pictured: Participants are asked to create a 'lemon tart with a twist'

Patrick Burke, owner and managing director of The Atlantic Hotel, said: “We are absolutely delighted that George has won through to the semi-finals of Young National Chef of the Year. This is a very prestigious competition which is well known for identifying the up and coming young chefs in the industry who are likely to go on to great things in the future. George has our full support and we wish him all the best for his semi-final appearance in June.”