Three talented chefs are set to put their culinary skills to the test as they go head-to-head in a sizzling live cookery showdown to claim the coveted title of ‘Ireland’s Next Top Chef’.
Nathan Cox from The Artisan Cookhouse in Downpatrick, Rio Rissky from Radisson Blu St. Helen’s Hotel in Dublin and Michelle De La Cruz from 2 Taps Winebar in Belfast will contest the Grand Final of this year’s Ireland’s Next Top Chef Competition.
The thrilling culinary cook-off will take place at the Balmoral Hotel in Belfast on Thursday 1st August 2024 with the talented chefs tasked with putting their skills and creativity to the test by crafting a signature three-course meal to impress the esteemed judging panel.
Nathan Cox from The Artisan Cookhouse in Downpatrick will showcase his innovative Asian fusion style with a daring menu featuring smoked venison with dark chocolate jus.
Rio Rissky, Junior Sous Chef at Radisson Blu St. Helen’s Hotel in Dublin, will combine French and Japanese techniques with a menu including pan fried octopus.
Michelle De La Cruz from 2 Taps Winebar in Belfast will present her experimental Filipino-inspired menu, blending unique flavours and innovative techniques
The competition’s judges include Irish celebrity and Michelin star head chef, Dylan McGrath 2023 Great British Menu contestant, Kerry Roper, and BBC’s Farm to Feast judge, Joris Minne.
The winner will receive the opportunity to undertake an all-expenses-paid mentorship at a prestigious two-star Michelin-starred restaurant of their choice; Dinner by Heston Blumenthal in London or Chapter One by Mickael Viljanen in Dublin.
The prestigious not-for-profit culinary competition, coordinated by the Balmoral Hotel, was open to professional chefs and home cooks and was established in 2023 to identify and nurture the next generation of culinary talent.
It provides talented chefs with an exciting opportunity to put themselves in the spotlight and showcase their talent to some of Ireland’s top industry-recognised chefs and experts at live knock-out stages of the competition.
John Trainor, Director of Balmoral Hotel in Dunmurry and Stix & Stones restaurant in Belfast, says: “”At this year’s Grand Final of Ireland’s Next Top Chef Competition, we are looking forward to witnessing and tasting the incredible culinary talent of our three finalists.
“Nathan, Rio, and Michelle have shown exceptional skills, passion, and creativity that have set them apart at each knock-out stage of the competition to secure their place in the Grand Final.
“We believe that each of the finalists will bring something extraordinary to the table and truly showcase the future of Ireland’s culinary scene as they go head-to-head to determine who will be crowned as ‘Ireland’s Next Top Chef’.
“Our esteemed panel of judges are eagerly anticipating the chance to taste their unique culinary styles and daring signature menus. The live audience can expect an evening of high drama, intense competition, and mouth-watering cuisine.”
Ireland’s Next Top Chef is sponsored in 2024 by Balmoral Hotel, Sysco Ireland, Bunzl McLaughlin, Tanqueray Gin, Anjo Wholesale, Lakeview Farm Meats, Frylite Solutions, Heverlee Premium Pilsner, Direct Wine Shipments, Waterman House Cookery School, N4networx, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, Keenan Seafood, Féile an Phobail, Ryak Cleaning & Support Services, Cocktail Keg Company, Alliance Ireland, Masseys Catering & RAS Solutions.
For more information on the 2024 Ireland’s Next Top Chef Competition visit: www.irelandsnexttopchef.com.
