Chloe Matthews makes her mark at the Apprentice Chef of the Year Competition

Chloe Matthews, an apprentice chef from Unity Place, truly made her mark at this year’s Apprentice Chef of the Year competition. Ten chef apprentices brought their A-game, coming together at the end of last month to compete in the Apprentice Chef of the Year competition organised by Compass Group UK & Ireland. During an intense two-and-a-half-hour challenge, the finalists—including our very own apprentice chef, Chloe Matthews - prepared a three-course seasonal meal.

Chloe was awarded third place for her incredibly executed menu, which included:

• Paupiette of plaice, watercress mousse, mussel & sorrel sauce.
• Crown roasted Guinea fowl, ballotine leg, pomme Anna, wild mushroom fricassee & wilted spinach.
• Blackberry & lemon tartlet, crème patisserie, smoked caramel.

We got to speak to her afterwards and she had this to say....

Could you give us a little background on how you prepared for the final?

“I sat down with my bosses, the head chefs, and our executive chef, Nick Male, to brainstorm and plan the menu. We then began practicing the dishes, with Nick guiding me through the techniques I needed to perfect the ambitious dishes. After making each dish, the entire team helped taste and analyse, providing feedback so I could refine the dishes even further. I completed two full run-throughs of the three-course meal to ensure that I could execute everything to a high standard and within the allotted time.”

How do you feel about competing in the Apprentice Chef of the Year competition?

“I was nervous about the competition, but everyone, both at work and at the event, have been so supportive. I found out about the competition from Nick, who encouraged me and the other apprentices to enter. I am so grateful for this award; being a part of this experience has been amazing and I have learned so much.”

How would you sum-up being an apprentice and what words of advice would you give to someone looking to work the hospitality industry?

“I absolutely love being an apprentice, I look forward to coming into work every day and the people I work with are amazing! I always learn something new and being in a working kitchen has taught me many important skills which have set me up for a career in the hospitality industry. Although I have only been working in the industry for a year, I would recommend it to anyone who is looking to join. It is an exciting industry to work in - it allows you to be creative, learn new skills and is very rewarding.”