Young Commis Chefs Competition
The Young Commis Chefs Competition was first organised by the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs in Switzerland in 1977 to support and promote future young chefs by giving them the opportunity to develop and demonstrate their skills. Competitions are held at regional, national and international levels in countries around the world. The competition is open to young cooks no more than 27 years of age and having no more than five years of professional cooking experience, culinary schooling not included.
A candidate for competiton at any level must be nominated by their employer, who must be a member of the Chaîne des Rotisseurs, and accepted by the Competition Committee. Members of local bailliages who are proprietors, managers, chefs or instructors at Chaîne affiliated restaurants, hotels and culinary schools are asked to nominate candidates, who complete and submit application forms to a Regional Coordinator. Contestants are then selected from the group of applicants.
At the appointed time, each contestant is given an identical, previously unidentified “market basket” containing certain basic ingredients. Using all of these ingredients, as well as drawing on a variety of staples from a pantry, the contestant must compose and execute a 3-course menu (first course, main course, and dessert) for four people. The written menu must be completed within the first half-hour, with 2½ hours allowed for preparation, after which the finished dishes are presented to be judged within a 30-minute time frame.
Experienced professionals and non-professionals, who are Chaîne members, are selected to serve as judges. A candidate’s sponsor may not serve as a judge. To ensure complete secrecy and objectivity, contestants are identified by number only rather than by name. Dishes prepared by the contestants are judged on taste, presentation and originality. In addition, scores are given for cleanliness and organization in the kitchen.
The competition is open to young cooks having no more than five years of professional cooking experience, culinary schooling not included. A candidate must be a citizen or legal resident of the country they are representing. A candidate may be no more than 27 years of age on the date of the International Competition. Once accepted, a candidate must furnish proof of age (Birth Certificate, Passport or Driver’s License). The act of participating in the Competition at any level imposes upon the competitor the acceptance and respect of the rules.
Winners of past Chaîne Regional Young Commis Competitions are not eligible to compete again. Past contestants (non-winners) may compete for a second time, as long as they are eligible under the age and experience ruling. The first place winners of all Regional Competitions are qualified to participate in the National Final. The winner of the national final will compete in the International Competition.
For more information about the Young Commis Chefs Competition, please send details to Lesley Gray, Conseiller Culinaire: culinaire@chaine.co.uk
