Schwartz Flavour Pairing Challenge at Hotelympia. And the winners are...

by Jellybean - 09/03/2010

"Ian Morgan, executive head chef, and Dan Boniface, Group Manager Cambridge, from Cucina, a private sector school meals provider, have won the Schwartz Flavour Pairing Challenge Competition at Hotelympia! "

The Schwartz Flavour Pairing Challenge created a real buzz in the Live Theatre on Wednesday when ten pairs of chefs battled it out in a close run contest. The teams had to demonstrate real innovation with flavour using this year’s Flavour Pairings from Schwartz with just 45 minutes to prepare, cook and present a two-course meal; either a starter and main course or a main course and sweet. Competitors had to include two of the Schwartz Flavour Pairings from the 2010 Flavour Forecast, one pairing in each dish.

The Cucina team’s menu tickled all the right taste buds and consisted of pan roasted Cambridgeshire venison with fondant potato, cabbage dumpling, bean cassoulet, preserved lemon jus and bay leaf foam, and for dessert, Esher High School’s stewed rhubarb with ginger sponge and white chocolate custard. Randy Carper, Vice President, McCormick Flavour Group EMEA, who was invited to join the judging panel said, “I have been absolutely amazed at the high standard of food presented in this competition, it’s been a real privilege to have been asked to join the judges in this highly competitive event.”

James Millward, Commercial Director, McCormick (UK) Ltd adds, “The standard of participation in this competition was exceptionally high and I’d like to personally thank all entrants that gave their time to enter. McCormick wants to support young talent, encourage inspiration and share our passion in the creation of flavours. This event has certainly shown what can be done with a little bit of imagination.”

Every year, Schwartz, McCormick’s flagship consumer brand in the UK and the number one herbs and spices brand in the UK, publishes its Flavour Forecast, which Schwartz develops in collaboration with eminent chefs and food writers across Europe using an extensive network of researchers, trend experts, chefs, home economists, food technologists and sensory analysts. The Flavour Forecast firstly identifies key trends set to shape menus across Europe. Using these trends, the chefs and food writers are then inspired to create a number of flavour pairings and the pairings for 2010, used in the competition were; Dill & Beetroot; Bay Leaves and Preserved Lemon; Black Peppercorns and Citrus Fruit; Fennel Seeds and Orange; Caraway and Chicory and Ginger and Rhubarb.

For more product information call 08081 000363 or email ukfoodservice@mccormick.co.uk and for some great recipe ideas visit www.schwartzforchef.co.uk

~ENDS~


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Editor’s Notes:
•        The McCormick Foodservice Division operates across Europe in the UK, Ireland, France, Spain and Switzerland. Other McCormick foodservice brands in the UK include Hammonds and Beswicks
•        The McCormick Foodservice division also supplies a selection of goods under the Noël’s brand. These include their renowned Olives, Cherries and Baking Sundries
•        McCormick Foodservice is a division of McCormick & Company, Inc., a global leader in the manufacture, marketing and distribution of spices, herbs, seasonings and other flavours, to the entire food industry - to foodservice and food manufacturers, as well as to retail outlets. Founded in 1889 in Baltimore, McCormick has approximately 7,500 employees around the world, with net sales of $3.2 billion in 2009.

More Details: http://www.foodindustrycareers.co.uk