Petroc has officially crowned its new North Devon chef of the year. After an intense battle, professional cookery apprentice Jacqui Mock was announced the overall winner. Jacqui was also the level two winner, and Ben Green was the winner for level two. The annual event, held in partnership with Philip Dennis Foodservice, was open to students on all food-related programmes to showcase skills they have learnt on their course. Mark Dodson, of the Michelin-starred Masons Arms restaurant in North Devon, was the head judge on the day. Students had to design, create and cost two dishes, using a lamb chump as the main and a dessert of their choice. Jacqui, who works at Broomhill and was a runner up in last years competition, said: Im in shock. Its been such an intense morning, so it hasnt really sunk in yet. But, Im obviously delighted that all the hard work has paid off. Ben, who works at Saunton Sands Hotel, added: The benchmark was extremely high this year, according to the judges, so that makes this all the more special. Like Jacqui, I also competed last year and I think that experience was essential in terms of knowing what to expect and getting my timings right. Jacquis winning menu was a main of pan fried lamb chump with seasonal vegetables and an anchovy and caper dressing. Her dessert was honey parfait with summer berry compote and meringue. Bens winning menu was stuffed lamb, confit potatoes, pea and mint, radish and asparagus, redcurrant jus as a main, and a dessert of Eton neat. Jacqui will now have the opportunity to work alongside Mark at The Masons Arms to refine her dishes, ready to be cooked and presented to an audience of selected guests at the restaurant next month. Next years competition is set to be bigger and better than ever, with plans in place to open up the competition to catering students from other colleges throughout the South West.For more North Devon stories visit our news feed here.
