VIDEO: Sodexo names John Hughes Chef of the Year

Sodexo has named John Hughes its Chef of the Year at Salon Culinaire at Hospitality at the National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham yesterday.

Hughes, who works in the French caterer's corporate services education division, took part in a cook-off against other Sodexo finalists following several rounds of heats and mentor days to help develop the competitors' menus.

David Mulcahy, Sodexo craft and food development director said that the standard of cooking since the first round had improved significantly.

"All of the chefs did themselves proud. They come from different sectors within the Sodexo business, be it defence, education or fine-dining and they all punched well above their weight today," he added.

Tasked with preparing a three-course meal using mackerel in the starter and duck in the main, Hughes' menu consisted of: pan-fried mackerel, artichoke puree and roasted baby beetroot; duck prepared three ways with red wine jus; and plum frangipane with Chinese stem ginger ice-cream.

He described winning as "phenomenal" and said that he hopes to go on and compete at a national level next.

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By Janie Stamford

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