Winners of World Young Waiter, Young Chef and Young Mixologist competition announced
Team England and Team Wales have placed third in the World Young Chef, Young Waiter and Young Mixologist 2023 finals, which have been held at the Lycée Rainier lll in Monaco.
Representing England were chef Benjamin Mabley from Hartwell House Hotel and Spa in Aylesbury, and waiter Jade Walker from the Frog, London. Representing Wales were chef Sam Everton from Coleg Ceredigion and waiter Carys Webster from Grove of Narbeth.
The 2023 competition was won by Team Singapore, with Team USA placing second.
The world champions were chosen from nine chefs, nine waiters and four mixologists from England, Wales, Singapore, Ireland, the Cayman Islands, Hong Kong, Monaco, USA and Scotland.
Finalists were judged by a panel of culinary experts, food critics, and industry leaders. Among the chef judges were Adam Handling, Mario Perera, Michael Kwan, Emanuele Del Signore, Paul Walsh, and Adam Thomason.
The waiter judges included Simon King, Andy Downton, George Heresy, and Daniele Giovinazzo. Meanwhile, the mixologist judges were Anna Sebastian, Yann Bouvignies, Paul Robinson, and Jerome Schrotz.
Ian Tan of the winning Team Singapore said: "This experience gave me the platform to be able to put Southeast Asian cuisine on the map. Not only did it get me to the world stage, but I also won it. I'd like to share with the rest of the world, that no matter where you come from, all of the food you love, be it from the street or at home all have a place in this world. I'd like to encourage everyone to be proud of their ethnicity, their culture, their food and most importantly their friends and family, may all always dine with an open heart and an empty stomach."
The competition saw chefs tasked with making a tarte tatin and custard dish, creating a three-course menu and preparing six plates for judges and VIP lunch guests.
Waiters navigated five tasks, including section set-up, interviews and scenarios, wine pairing, a quiz, and a champagne pour.
Mixologists were asked to create a cocktail from ingredients sourced from Monaco's local market, presenting their signature serve infused with NEFT Vodka, and crafting a classic cocktail.
Robert Walton, competition chariman, said: "I am so proud to crown the World Champion Chef, Waiter, and Mixologists from Singapore. I am so proud of how the competition continues to highlight the young, up-and-coming talent in our exciting industry.
"The aim of World Young Chef Young Waiter is simple: to uncover the very best young talent in our industry. Our 2023 entrants have had the opportunity to meet high profile industry professionals, learn new skills and make new friends. Thank you to everyone who was involved and who has supported this competition. Thank you, Monaco, for being such a great host."
