After three months of interviews, culinary skill tests and a lot of heated debates in kitchens across Ireland – the winner of Euro-Toques Young Chef of the Year was announced at a gala banquet event in Dublin’s iconic Shelbourne Hotel. 22 year old Ruth Lappin from Laois was awarded the coveted 2015 Euro-Toques of the Year 2015 title from special guest judge, three time Michelin starred chef Clare Smyth.
Ruth, Chef de Partie at Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud was mentored throughout the competition by her head chef Kieran Glennon. After completing a BA in Culinary Arts at DIT Cathal Brugha Street Ruth did some impressive stages at Dublin’s Fallon & Byrne and the world famous WD50 in New York. Ruth originally went to college to become a nurse but she felt too much of a draw to the culinary arts.
Ruth was one of five finalists who battled it out to win this esteemed title and will now embark on an all-expenses paid stage at Gordon Ramsay’s flagship restaurant – Restaurant Gordon Ramsey in London. Ruth will work under Clare Smyth, an MBE and Northern Irish Chef who is Chef Patron at this prestigious restaurant. Clare is the first and only female chef to hold and retain three Michelin stars in the UK – one of only five women in the world to attain the accolade.
The judging panel also included Mark Moriarty (San Pellegrino World Young Chef 2015 champion), Graham Neville (Restaurant Forty One at Residence), Wade Murphy (Commissioner General of Euro-Toques Ireland and Chef/Proprietor 1826 Adare), Paul Kelly (Executive Pastry Chef at Merrion Hotel and Great Irish Bake Off judge). The chairing judge was Lorcan Cribbin (former Commissioner General of Euro-Toques Ireland). Mark Moriarty previously won the Euro-Toques Young Chef of the Year competition in 2013.
The other four finalists in the competition were:
- John Fitzmaurice,aged 26, Head Chef at Moloughney’s, Clontarf, Dublin 3. John’s mentor is Liam Moloughney.
- Conor Halpennyaged 20, Chef de Partie, Tankardstown House, Brabazon Restaurant, Co Meath. Conor’s mentor is Head Chef Robbie Krawczyk.
- Robert Browneaged 21, currently a medical student in National University of Ireland, Galway and being mentored by Enda McEvoy, Chef-Patron Loam Restaurant in Galway.
- Roseanne Meehan – aged 24, Junior Sous Chef, Knockranny House Hotel. Roseanne’s mentor is Head Chef Seamus Commons.
The five finalists put their culinary skills to the test one last time at the gala banquet final event where they prepared feast for Ireland’s most celebrated chefs and guests. The five young chefs were assisted on the night by a professional team consisting of Declan Maxwell (Luna) acting as front of house and special guest MC’s for the evening Marie Flynn and Domini Kemp.
Speaking after being crowned Euro-toques Young Chef of the Year Ruth Lappin said, “When I entered this amazing competition back in September I never thought I would be the last one standing. The past three months have been an immense learning curve for me and I have been honored to work with such inspirational chefs along the way. Getting to meet Clare Smyth today was a real career highlight and I cannot believe that I now get to work under her next year. I am thrilled to represent Ireland as a young chef and really thank Euro-Toques for the chance to take part in this competition and La Rousse Foods for their support this year.”
The competition this year and focused on the theme “Origins of Contemporary Irish Cooking”. Euro-toques Young Chef of the Year, in association with La Rousse Foods, looks to find a young food ambassador for Ireland who can contribute to developing an identity for Irish cooking and promote Ireland’s culinary reputation at home and abroad.
Commenting at the final, Wade Murphy, President of Euro-toques Ireland said, “2015 has seen our highest amount of entries to date for Euro-Toques Young Chef of the Year which is phenomenal In all the years the competition has gone from strength to strength and we are incredibly excited to now follow the future of our latest Euro-Toques Young Chef of the Year. The level of dedication and passion that these 5 young chefs have shown throughout the last three months is inspirational and really showcases that the future of Irish cooking in Ireland is in safe hand. This year’s competition was extremely close and really came down to the wire but Ruth showcased exceptional culinary skill and organisation making her a worthy winner”
For more information on the Euro-toques Young Chef of the Year please visit www.youngchef.ie
