The search is on to find a talented chef with a passion for cooking and for using fresh, seasonal, local Manx produce. This annual competition is hosted by the I Love Manx campaign and is supported by DEFA.

Shortlisted entrants will cook in front of an enthusiastic audience in the Manx Gas Food Theatre at the Royal Manx Agricultural Show on Friday 9th August at 3pm. Finalists will cook in the Manx Gas Food Theatre at the Isle of Man Food & Drink Festival on Saturday 21st September at 3 pm where the judges include guests The Fabulous Baker Brothers.

Competition details and entry forms can be obtained from the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture, Thie Slieau Whallian, Foxdale Road, St Johns, Isle of Man. Telephone 685856 or download from www.gov.im/daff/food_and_farming/ilovemanx.xml. Chefs need to provide details of their recipe and ingredients should be Manx produce as far as possible.

The closing date for entries is 21st June, 2013. The prize for the winner will be ?500 cash, plus a full page advertisement for their place of work in Manx Life or Money Media or advertising on Manx Radio.

Previous winners have included John Dixon from Harbour Lights, Ramsey, Mohamed Hugue from Spice of India, Ramsey and Robert Hooper from L’Experience, Douglas. The Manager, Michael Murphy at L’Experience commented: “the competition provides an excellent opportunity for chefs to display their talents and gain valuable publicity for themselves and their place of work. We really benefitted from the coverage of the competition and Robert learnt a lot from the judges’ feedback on his recipe and cooking techique. I’d really recommend chefs to consider taking part in this competition – it’s challenging but rewarding”.

Photo - Last year’s winner of the I Love Manx Chef of the Year competition - Robert Hooper from L’Experience, Douglas.