NECTA North East Chef of the Year. North East Chef of the Year Winner Dave Kennedy receives his trophy from last year's winner, Jamie Walsh.
The highlight for many competitors and visitors to the second day is the North East Chef of the Year competition. Chefs of all levels enter this competition although only eight are selected to compete in front of a live audience on the actual day.
The first part of the competition centres around the creation of an original 3 course menu for 4 people. Entrants must create and cost a menu with recipes and method featuring set ingredients for each course. This is designed to test their knowledge of local seasonal produce, their creative skills and their financial awareness.
The successful entrants are then required to compete in live theatre. The competitors are given a box of mystery ingredients, several of which must be used, and have 2½ hours to prepare, cook and serve a 3 course meal for 4 covers.
2007 winner Dave Kennedy, owner of the Blackdoor restaurant and Blackdoor Brasserie was given the opportunity to work in the kitchen of the QE2 when it returned to Newcastle as part of his prize.
Click here to view previous winners.
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