Judges for the I Love Manx  “Chef of the Year” competition met recently to review entries and have chosen a shortlist of  four to compete at the Royal Manx Agricultural Show for a place in the finals to be held at the Isle of Man Food & Drink Festival.

Semi- finalists for the 2012 “Chef of the Year” competition are:

Yohann Bonjus, The Nunnery, Old Castletown Road, Douglas
Malcolm Bartolo, Jar Restaurant, Duke Street, Douglas
Richard Ashcroft, Patchwork Café, Bay View Road, Port St Mary
Robert Hooper, L’Experience, Summerhill, Douglas

Their recipes include Manx Fillet of Beef with Greeba Mushroom Gratin, Crab Cannelloni, Home smoked Callig with Soda Bread and Two Tastes of Manx Mackerel .  The chefs have created recipes using Manx produce in new and exciting ways, making the most of its quality and seasonal  availability.

The semi-finals will be held at the Royal Manx Agriculture Show on Friday 10th August at 3 p.m. where the judges will be Kate Beecroft MHK, Tony Quirk and a representative from Manx Gas Ltd.   The two finalists  will need to impress Celebrity Chef Ainsley Harriott at the Isle of Man Food and Drink Festival on Saturday 22nd  September. The winner will receive £500 cash plus a full page advertisement for their place of work in Manx Life or Money Media, plus an engraved plaque and certificate.

The competition is sponsored by Manx Gas, and Gary Cregeen, sales and marketing manager said: “ I am really looking forward to the semi-finals and having the chance to taste the recipes which have been submitted by our chosen shortlist of chefs.  I hope that there will be a full audience at the Royal to cheer them on – and of course to join in the tasting afterwards”.

Last years’ winner, Mohammed Hoque, from the Spice of India Restaurant in Ramsey said:  “I have had a lot of positive feedback from  customers regarding the write up in Money Media which was part of my prize last year -  winning this competiton has been fantastic for our business.  I wish this years’ participants the best of luck”.