The heat is now on for the Annual Awards of Excellence 2009

The Academy of Culinary Arts is now accepting entries for the Annual Awards of Excellence (AAE) 2009.

The AAE recognises talented up-and-coming hospitality workers and since it began in 1983 more than 300 people have achieved the award.

Judges include Heston Blumenthal, chef patron at the Fat Duck in Bray, Berkshire, John Williams, executive chef at the Ritz hotel and Adam Byatt, chef patron at London's Trinity restaurant.

All finalists receive a certificate and bottle of Mumm Champagne at the national finals next April.

Candidates that achieve the standard also receive an invitation to a gala presentation dinner in July 2009, where they will receive a chef's jacket or sommeliers apron and a diploma recognising their achievement.

At the dinner the overall winner in each section (kitchen, pastry and service) will be revealed and presented with prizes worth more than £2,000.

Applicants must be currently working full-time in the UK as a chef, pastry chef or waiter and have worked within the industry for the past two years. They should be aged between 20 and 26 on 31 December 2008.

The closing date for entries is 21 November. Entry forms can be obtained from Susannah Bentall at the academy on 020 8673 6300 or by e-mailing susannahbentall@academyofculinaryarts.org.uk . Visit the Academy of Culinary Arts website for more.

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By Chris Druce

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