The winners of The Teflon Diamond Standard Awards are celebrating after the annual competition’s recent finals, held at the Waitrose Cookery School, Finchley Road and Bournemouth & Poole College. Circulon (from Meyer Group) also sponsor the national competition, which was judged by experts including celebrity chef Lesley Waters.
Launched in 2012, the Diamond Standard Awards, sponsored by Teflon non-stick coatings (from Chemours), is a prestigious and well-respected initiative that encourages student chefs to create cutting edge cuisine. The competition also offers the chance for non-professional cooks to gain recognition for their cooking ability at home.
The winner of the Keen Young Cook award (12-16 years) was Reece Bosowitz from Stevenage, whose winning dish was Loin of Wild Fallow Deer, Parsnip (puree, sweet roasted, parsnip crisps), Kale, Pickled Blackberries, Walnut Ketchup and Meat Juices.
The Aspiring Student Chef (16-19 years) was Jack Rymer from Gillingham School, Dorset, who cooked Roast Poussin served with Confit Poussin Leg, Red Pepper Puree and Salsa Verde Mash.
Both Reece and Jack were awarded the prestigious and life-changing three year Specialised Chefs Scholarship, which includes work-based training with a chef member of the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts at one of the finest hotels or restaurants in the UK.
Meanwhile the winner of the Keen Home Cook award (aged 17+) was Yui Miles from Essex.
Yiu’s winning Dishes were Khoa Soi or ChiangMai Noodles, Sticky Rice with Caramelised Coconut, Thai Egg Custard and Sweet & Salty Prawns paired with Lychee Gin Granita. Yui received a luxury hamper full of cooking and foodie goodies worth over £200.
All the winners received bundles of Teflon non-stick coated cookware from lead sponsor Circulon, gift sets from partner Thermapen, and cash prizes of up to £500.
Also celebrated were Suzanne Anderegg and Harriet Chappell who won highly commended in the Keen Home Cooks category and Rohan Misir and Katie Prigg won high commended for the Keen Young Cooks.
Top: Chemours’ UK marketing and business development manager Andy Godfrey congratulates Aspiring Student Chef winner Jack Rymer at the finals of the Teflon Diamond Standard Awards 2020.