Jeunes Chef Competition:

The 2011 International Jeunes Chef Competition took place in Istanbul, Turkey on 9 September. Feedback from the judges was that that it was an excellent competition and all the competitors were congratulated on their performances.

The results were 1st place: Reilly Meehan, United States, 2nd place: Michael Dyllong, Germany and 3rd place: Jaime Rodriguez Camacho, Colombia.

South Africa's entrant, Wynand Van Rooyen from the Mount Nelson Hotel in Cape Town was chaperoned by Carol Wicht, Conseiller Culinaire for Afrique du Sud and Vice Principal of ESCA, and Chef Stacey Lee Chan - the 2010 International winner. They left Johannesburg on 5 September for a whirl wind tour of Istanbul. Together with the other 21 participating countries, they spent 2 days visiting food markets, spice markets and meat processing plants. In addition, they participated in a gourmet and wine extravaganza, with the lunches and dinners they attended.

The competition was held on Friday 9 September, starting at 5am in the morning and ending with the last contestant at 17.30.   After the competition, Carol attended a cruise and dinner on the Bosphorous with the rest of the Chaine,  while the contestants were taken to a local pub and club for dinner and party, and boy, did they party!!

On Saturday afternoon, the announcement of the winners of the competition was made followed by an amazing gala dinner for 460 guests. On Sunday, Wynand, Carol and Stacy flew home exhausted, but filled with renewed knowledge and a wealth of experience.

Not one to rest on his laurels, Wynand has now also won the coveted Sunday Times Chef of the Year 2011. Congratulations Wynand!



The support team!

Wynand receiving his Sunday Times award

Click here to download Carol's hilarious personal account

 

Jeunes Sommeliers Competition:

The 2011 International Jeunes Sommeliers Competition took place in Athens, Greece on 16 September. The Judges reported that the level of competition was very high this year, with the competitors from all countries being be congratulated on their performances.

The results were 1st place: Ian Cauble, United States, 2nd place: Remi Cousin, Great Britain and 3rd place: Nicos Giannopoulos, Greece.

South Africa's entrant, Gareth Ferreira  from The Saxon in Johannesburg achieved a respectable 4th place.

Click here to download Gareth's heartfelt personal account

 



Gareth receiving his 4th place medal

Gareth being inducted