Euro-Toques Young Chef of the Year Competition is Ireland’s premier cooking competition for professional young chefs. 6 semi finalists were chosen in June for the 2023 final in October.
Between the June semi finals and the October finals the competition provided study trips and a trip over the water.
This year they were welcomed to Richmond and lunch at Michelin starred The Dysart Petersham facing Richmond Park, with the water meadows and the River Thames behind. They could not get away from water!
They could not get away from the Irish touch either – may be that’s what they wanted! Ken is famous as a son of Eire, as well as here. With Ken leading the kitchen team, the organisers expected a real treat and were not disappointed. This was the lunch menu.
The day started with a gathering to see the famous view down to the River from Richmond Hill, a walk along the River bank to Ham House and a private tour, back in time for lunch. Sadly, after a long lunch, there was not enough time to explore Richmond Park.
We were all pleased to host this visit and lunch – not only to help inspire young chefs of the future, but also Euro-Toques Ireland shares many of our own ideals, including:
- supporting and championing small producers with demanding standards and the finest ingredients
- preserving individual culinary heritage and culture by supporting traditional cooking methods and promoting producers of local and seasonal artisan products
- rebuilding the direct connection between chefs and producers.
This was evident in the ingredients given to the semi finalists in June, including mushrooms, seaweed, sea salt, farm butter, orchard fruits and, of course, a selection of raw cheeses, an Irish tradition. One, Young Buck, we offer here.
