SUSSEX ingredients were showcased at their best in the autumn menus of six superb young Sussex chefs who took part in a sizzling MasterChef style cook off at the Amex Stadium in Brighton.

The heat was turned up and the competition was fierce to decide the winner of the coveted title Sussex Young Chef of the Year - sponsored by Sodexo Prestige - as part of the Sussex Food and Drink Awards 2018.

George Boarer from Etch in Brighton, Michael Notman-Watt from 64 Degrees in Brighton and last year’s winner Michael Sutherland from The Star Inn in Alfriston were this year’s grand finalists.

All three will be invited to the Sussex Food and Drink Awards banquet on February 7 2018 at the Amex stadium where the overall winner of Sussex Young Chef of the Year will be revealed.

They fought off some very tough competition as all the young chefs performed at their very best and delivered some superb menus.

The three runners--up were Jack Green from The Cat Inn in West Hoathly, Bethan Ralph from The Shepherd and Dog in Fulking, and George Thomas from Isaac At in Brighton.

All six chefs who took part were presented with a fantastic SuperFast Thermapen® goodie bag.

The chefs were asked to create a special three-course dinner with ingredients from Sussex producers, farmers and growers, which could be served to over 300 VIPs and local dignitaries at a special event at the Amex Stadium later this year, celebrating Brighton and Hove Albion Football Club’s promotion to the Premier League.

Malcolm Emery, principal chef at Sodexo Prestige, headed the judging panel and joining him for the second year was Great British Menu champion Matt Gillan from Pike and Pine in Brighton and Ben Dutson, head chef at Ascot Racecourse.

They were looking at taste, presentation, market appeal and consumer trends used in the menus.

Sourcing and creativity of ingredients used, the balance and mix of the dishes as well as the workmanship and food hygiene were also considered.

Mr Emery said: “Each year the standard of food these talented young chefs produce simply gets better and better and they should all feel immensely proud of their efforts today.

“To produce top quality dishes with a limited budget of £15 per person and in just 90 minutes is always very impressive.

“They all have extremely bright futures and I congratulate each of them for getting this far in this incredibly tough competition.”

George Boarer’s starter of fresh local sea bass with cauliflower and apple was followed by a main course of South Downs venison with celeriac and celery cooked to perfection. To finish he produced goats milk dessert with honey and pear.

Michael Notman-Watt’s menu was praised for its surprisingly good flavours combinations starting with foraged gems, including cobnuts and apples, from the Wiston Estate and smoked and roasted beetroot from Nama Yasai Farm.

The star of his main course was lamb from Saddlescombe Farm and his dessert cleverly married three of his favourite things in life, doughnuts, tea and gin.

Reigning Sussex Young Chef of the Year champion Michael Sutherland impressed the judging panel with a menu of chestnut mushrooms and garlic to start, locally caught Pollock for main and a sublime dessert of white chocolate, pistachio and cherry to finish.

Nationally acclaimed chef and guest judge, Matt Gillan said, “I’m delighted to have been asked back as part of the judging panel again this year.

“The standard has been incredibly high this year and I’ve been so impressed with what I have seen today.”

“To put your own thoughts down on paper and bring them to life under pressure isn’t easy.

“The Sussex Food and Drink Awards are a great platform in this tough industry and this competition offers a fantastic opportunity for these young chefs to put their own menus to the test.

“It is designed to encourage all of them to have a real sense of ownership and achievement at a young age and moving forwards this really does have a huge impact on them.”

Other categories in these awards include best Sussex eating experience, food producer, drink producer, farmer, food shop, butcher, farmers market, newcomer and street food vendor. Go to www.sussexfoodawards.biz