Entries are now open for the Unilever Food Solutions Chef of the Year competition. This year, the competition is composed of five categories, with three prizes in each, representing a total of R120 000 in winnings.

The competition, which celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, is endorsed by the World Association of Chefs Societies (WACS) and has throughout its history provided excellent exposure and experience for past winners.

Winning starter

“We are very proud of what this competition has contributed to many South African chefs’ lives, as well as to the culinary industry as a whole – and we continue to strive to improve it every year,” says Unilever Food Solutions MD Michel Mellis. “This competition has always been about connecting with the chefs and getting to know them, their needs, their aspirations, their creative skills and their talent.”

The categories for this year include:

Senior chef of the year
25 years and older; three-course meal entry. First place R15 000, second place R10 000, third place R5000.

Junior chef of the year
18 to 24 years old; three-course meal entry. First place R10 000, second place R6 000, third place R4 000.

2014 Unilever Food Solutions Winning main by Germaine Esau

Team of four
Bring your best: the executive chef and any two chefs from his/her establishment and one waiter, qualified or unqualified. The team will produce a three-course meal and will set up their own themed table décor. First place R20 000, second place R12 000, third place R8 000.

Creative canapés
Three or more years’ professional culinary experience; hot and cold canapés. First place R10 000, second place R4 000, third place R2 000.

Confectionery showcase
Three or more years’ professional culinary experience; focus on cakes and cake decorating. First place R10 000, second place R4 000, third place R2 000.

2014 Winning dessert

Participants are required to create recipes using Unilever Food Solutions products and submit their recipes with accompanying photographs.

To enter the competition, chefs are invited to complete their entry forms via online registration by 30 June at www.ufs.com.