A Northern Ireland-based chef has cooked up a storm and landed in the UK final of a global competition.
Kristin Reagon of The Barn at Finnlough Hideaway in Co Fermanagh is one of ten young talents to be recognised in the UK at the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Competition.
The S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Competition is a global initiative that strives to discover and support the most inspiring young chefs around the world.
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The bi-annual competition and academy aims to push the boundaries of gastronomy and has the support of some of the most celebrated figures in the industry.
Being selected to compete at the UK final, taking place in London on October 12, means that Kristin joins a shortlist of 10 of the UK’s most promising chefs under 30.
She impressed an international judging panel, rising to the top of thousands of applications from all over the world who were inspired to enter the competition to share their vision and connect with the most influential people in the gastronomic world.
Whilst in high school, and wanting to pursue a career as a chemical engineer, Kristin entered a cooking competition, not knowing that winning the competition would give her a full scholarship to study culinary ats at Sense of Taste Chef School, in Cape Town.
The Enniskillen -based chef took the risk and hasn’t looked back since, starting off at The Pot Luck Club, Cape Town, where she fell in love with the atmosphere, kitchen culture and food. Shortly after, she undertook an internship in America, before moving back to South Africa and working at The Greenhouse in Cape Town.
Speaking about her nomination Kristin added: “Since beginning my journey as a chef, aged 18, I’ve wanted to take part in the SPYCA competition. It’s never been the right time for me to take part, until now, so to have the chance to compete as a regional finalist is already a huge win for me. I owe this to my younger self.”
At the UK final in October, ten finalists will present their signature dishes to the renowned jury panel who will judge the candidates’ signature dishes and select the winners of the four awards.
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