Pictured above: (l-r) Matt Eades, Damian Thomas and Leon
Churchill
Chefs at The ICC triumphed in last night's MARCHE awards -
scooping two culinary accolades including 'Young Chef of the Year'
for a consecutive time.
Over a thousand of the region's top chefs and restaurant owners
gathered at The ICC for the annual MARCHE awards (Midland's
Association of Restaurants, Caterers, Hoteliers and Entertainment)
- the largest culinary award ceremony outside London.
It was a big night for The ICC as 18 year old Damian Thomas,
from Birmingham, scooped 'Young Chef of the Year' and chef combo
Matt Eades and Leon Churchill achieved Merit in the competitive
'cook and serve' category.
Simon Hellier, Executive Head Chef at The ICC, said: "The
Midlands is renowned worldwide for our eclectic food offering and
the MARCHE Awards celebrate the talent and innovation that runs
through our restaurants, hotels and banqueting.
"ICC chefs have to be highly skilled and able to work under
pressure. One day they could be creating a bespoke menu for 50
people and the next serving heads of state in an 1800 strong
banquet. I believe we've got some of the best talent in Britain
working in our kitchens and I'm pleased that our commitment has
been recognised in the Midland's premier culinary awards ceremony.
The fact the awards were actually in The ICC makes it even more
special."
To triumph at the awards chefs must prove their talent in a
series of practical tasks observed by some of the Midland's most
experienced chefs - culminating in a 'cook off' against
competitors.
List of awards:
· Damian Thomas won 'Young Chef of the Year' - just 12
months after leaving catering college. It's the second year that
Amadeus chefs have scooped the award with 22 year old Simone
Maxwell winning last year.
· Matt Eades, Pastry Chef at The ICC and Leon Churchill,
Deputy Head Chef at The ICC achieved a Merit for 'Cook and serve' -
where teams are required to devise an ambitious menu and deliver it
to a panel of judges.
All chefs at The ICC work for The NEC Group's catering business,
Amadeus. This is the latest in a string of awards for the Amadeus
team who have won over an incredible 600 awards to date.