Chefs at The ICC triumphed in last night's MARCHE awards by
scooping two culinary accolades - including 'Young Chef of the
Year' for a consecutive time.
Over a thousand of the region's top chefs and restaurant owners
gathered at The ICC for the annual MARCHE awards (Midland's
Association of Restaurants, Caterers, Hoteliers and
Entertainment) - the largest culinary award ceremony outside
London.
It was a big night of celebrations for The ICC as 18 year old
Damian Thomas scooped 'Young Chef of the Year' and chef team Matt
Eades and Leon Churchill achieved Merit in the competitive 'cook
and serve' category.
Simon Hellier, Executive Head Chef at The ICC, said: "The
Midlands is renowned worldwide for our eclectic food offering and
the MARCHE Awards celebrate the talent and innovation that runs
through our restaurants, hotels and banqueting.
"ICC chefs have to be highly skilled and able to work under
pressure. One day they could be creating a bespoke menu for 50
people and the next serving heads of state in an 1800 strong
banquet. I believe we've got some of the best talent in Britain
working in our kitchens and I'm pleased that our commitment has
been recognised in the Midland's premier culinary awards ceremony.
The fact the awards were actually in The ICC makes it even more
special."
As part of the NEC Group all Chefs at The ICC work for The NEC
Group's catering business, Amadeus.
To triumph at the awards chefs must then prove their talent in a
series of practical tasks observed by some of the Midland's most
experienced chefs - culminating in a 'cook off' against
competitors.
List of awards:
- Damian Thomas won 'Young Chef of the Year'. It's the second
year that Amadeus chefs have scooped the award with 22 year
old Simone Maxwell winning last year.
- Matt Eades, Pastry Chef at The ICC and Leon Churchill, Deputy
Head Chef at The ICC achieved a Merit for 'Cook and serve' - where
teams are required to devise an ambitious menu and deliver it to a
panel of judges.
This is the latest in a string of awards for the Amadeus team
who have won over an incredible 600 awards to date!