Annabelle Hughes is no stranger to competition pressure. On Monday 10th June, this Level 3 Professional Cookery student from Loughgall was one of twelve finalists from across the UK in the Gallo Risotto Chef of the Year competition held at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium in North London.
Annabelle has previously competed to high standards, having received the bronze medal in last year’s Culinary Arts competition at WorldSkills UK, a global partnership between industry, governments, and the education sector to embed world class training standards to help drive investment, jobs, and economic growth. Earlier this year at IFEX, Northern Ireland’s biennial hospitality, foodservice and retail showcase, Annabelle secured the top spot in the risotto category, earning her a finalist place in the Gallo Risotto Chef of the Year UK competition.
Speaking prior to the London competition Annabelle was excited about going to the London finals. Although a few nerves were starting to kick in, she was looking forward to competing again, with a slightly tweaked risotto dish of fennel, cured trout and pickled cucumber.
Scrutinising efforts were six renowned judges: Danilo Cortellini, Executive Chef for the Italian Embassy; Fabio Pisani, Consultant and Masterchef; Adriano Cavagnini, Executive Chef at the Bulgari Hotel & Residences in London; Francesco Dibenedetto, Chef de Cuisine at Brooklands by Claude Bosi; Davide Degiovanni, Head Chef at Union Street Cafe and Barney Desmazery, BBC Good Food, skills & shows editor.
Annabelle however remained up for the challenge. Remaining modest about her success to date, Annabelle stated that the biggest challenge of being a chef “is putting your love of food onto someone else’s plate and hoping they enjoy it as much as you do.”
Lynette McMath, Lecturer at Southern Regional College commented:
“I’m very proud of Annabelle to have reached the UK Gallo Young Risotto Chef Final after competing in the IFEX regional heats in Belfast where she won the Gold Medal for best in class.
Out of 250 entries from across the UK, Annabelle was one of twelve finalists who had the privilege of cooking at the H Club Tottenham Hotspurs Stadium. She truly did herself and SRC proud and I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to mentor such a talented and humble young chef for such a prestigious competition.”