Tilda Chef Team of the Year 2022 is officially open for entries, with the live chef final due to take place in London, at Hotel, Restaurant & Catering in March 2022.
As part of HRC’s Salon Culinaire and in conjunction with the Craft Guild of Chefs, Tilda Chef Team of the Year is undoubtably one of foodservice’s most hotly anticipated chef competitions. And its little wonder, with the chance to win the iconic blue trophy and an all-expenses paid gastro trip to Italy*!
This year Tilda is challenging chef teams of two to embrace a festival of flavour, and is searching for the most innovative, authentic, and exciting ways Tilda rice can feature as part of a wide range of global celebrations. From Diwali and Day of the Dead to Carnival and Chinese New Year, chefs are encouraged to take inspiration from the world’s biggest and most exciting festivals to create their own Tildalicious menu.
The successful team will get to enjoy the top prize of a two-night trip to Vercelli and the Piedmont region of Italy. There they will visit the spectacular rice paddies and mills responsible for the world-famous Tilda rice and explore one of Italy’s oldest cities, all whilst enjoying Vercelli’s best, local produce, and food festivals. But that’s not all, the three chef teams that place as runners-up will receive Tilda Rice Goody Hampers for their kitchen, with selection of Tilda rice and Tilda 50th anniversary goodies.
Speaking about the competition, Annette Coggins, Head of Foodservice, Tilda UK says:
“The events of the past 18 months have been hugely challenging for the whole industry. But now is the time to look forward and embrace positivity and celebration. With festivals and gatherings back once more, we feel this year’s theme is a fitting one. We want to inspire chefs to really explore how rice can feature as part of celebratory meals, across a plethora of festival occasions cuisines and cultures. With lots of scope for innovation and creativity, we are really looking forward to the competition and seeing what Tildalicious festival inspired dishes our chef teams create.”
Chefs can register for the competition now by visiting www.internationalsalonculinaire.co.uk by the 21st February 2022, with the live final taking place Tuesday 22nd March 2022 at HRC, ExCel Centre, London.
The final will consist of 45 minutes to prepare four portions of a main and dessert. With the judges looking for creativity, authenticity and fun, but most importantly an entry that captures the spirit of their chosen festival and puts Tilda at the heart of their dishes.
To help chefs get ready, Tilda is offering exclusive sessions. From choosing the right rice for the right dish with Tilda’s extensive speciality rice range, to tips and advice on the criteria. Chefs can register their interest by contacting the Tilda team by emailing [email protected].
Annette adds:
“Our rice is so versatile and choosing the right rice for your dish is half the fun! We’re proud to have such an extensive range that can cater for every need, cuisine and celebration. We’re so looking forward to seeing what chef teams will come up with in this year’s competition – be adventurous with your entries and don’t be afraid to take risks to impress the judges!”
Endorsed by the Craft Guild of Chefs, Tilda’s specialty range hosts a wide variety of delicious rice, starting with chef favourite – Easy Cook Basmati with its elegant and natural appeal. The range also includes the nutty and aromatic Easy Cook Basmati and Wild, the naturally Fragrant Jasmine Rice and the deliciously creamy Arborio from Po Valley. The extensive selection offers great tasting rice every time, with the natural ability to absorb and enhance the flavour of a dish, for any festival.
*Dependent on COVID-19 travel guidelines
For more information and to enter Tilda Chef Team of the Year visit www.internationalsalonculinaire.co.ukFor information on Tilda visit www.tildafoodservice.com
