Academy of Culinary Arts unveil highest-scoring winners

The highest-scoring competitors in this year's Academy of Culinary Arts Annual Awards of Excellence 2008 have been revealed.

Martin Malinowski-Evans from Café 21 in Newcastle topped the kitchen category. Louise Rigden of Le Manoir aux Quat' Saisons scored the highest in pastry and Max Westphal of Gleneagles hotel came top in service.

Each received a silver trophy at a ceremony last week at Claridge's, donated by Gordon Hogg and Finclass, as well as prizes including Meyer Cookware, Victorinox Knives and £500 form the British Hospitality Association.

The trio will also travel to Barbados for the island's food festival in October with awards sponsor the West Indies Sugar & Trading Company.

Overall, 25 young hospitality professionals achieved the award standard this year and were presented with a chefs jacket or sommeliers apron and a certificate recognising their achievement. They also received a magnum of Champagne Mumm.

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By Chris Druce

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