Time Out Abu Dhabi seeks young chef of the year

Time Out Abu Dhabi has kickstarted the hunt for its 2012 Young Chef of the Year event, supported by the Emirates Culinary Guild.

The inaugural competition will take place at The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort and Spa on June 26 where four chefs from across the capital, all under the age of 30, will each cook a four-course meal for an expert judging panel and a collection of Time Out readers.

Each dish will be scored against set criteria before the winner is crowned.

The expert panel of judges will include: Uwe Micheel, president of the Emirates Culinary Guild and director of kitchens at Radisson Hotel Dubai Deira Creek; David Contreras, executive chef at The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort and Spa; Zoe Cooper-Clark, publishing director Time Out GCC; and Chef Sudu, certified WACS judge and executive chef at Traders Hotel.

"Our event celebrates, and seeks to reward, the next generation of young culinary talent in the city," said Time Out GCC publishing director Zoe Cooper-Clark.

"Decisions will be based on strict criteria that take into account the whole delivery of their menu, from the creativity, flair and the skills of the chef to the service, timing and attention to detail of their final piece.”

Before the end of May, invitation letters will be sent to the city’s hotels and restaurants to invite applications.

These applications will be reviewed by the expert panel before determining the final four chefs, who will be announced on June 12 2012.

Candidates wanting to take part can also email reem.rahman@itp.com for an application form and more information.

Young Chef of the Year tickets will go on sale on May 27 through timeouttickets.com and will cost DAED 395.

Time Out Abu Dhabi Young Chef of the Year is supported by The Emirates Culinary Guild, The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort and Spa, Hotelier Middle East, Caterer Middle East, African + Eastern, and Barakat Quality Plus.