A new addition to the show for 2023 is Chef HQ, a live demo kitchen and networking area which will see a dim sum deep dive by chef Andrew Wong, a Scottish seafood celebration from Restaurant Story executive chef Tom Philips, a session from pastry maestro Frédéric Bau, founder of L’École du Grand Chocolat Valrhon, and a demo by recently crowned National Chef of the Year Ben Murphy.
“I’m really looking forward to joining Chef HQ and showcasing some fantastic Scottish seafood,” says Philips. “I will also be talking about the Bocuse d’Or and how my own participation in the competition inspired me to support our UK entries going forwards.”
On Tuesday, March 21st former MasterChef judge and HRC Chef Ambassador for 2023 Monica Galetti will be speaking on HRC’s Vision Stage and recognising the Best-in-Class winners at International Salon Culinaire.
She says: “It’s so important for hospitality professionals and chefs to come together, network, learn and continue growing this fantastic industry. There’s nowhere better do to this than at HRC.”
As Salon Culinaire returns for its 121st year, talented chefs from across the UK will compete in over 80 live and static competitions, ranging from Association of Pastry Chefs Dessert of the Year and Sugarcraft categories to popular new additions from 2022 such as the Apprentice Challenge and Pub Chef of the Year.
The event, which is once again supported by Compass Group UK & Ireland, will see the return of prestigious team categories including Tilda Chef Team of the Year, Craft Guild of Chefs National Chef Team of the Year and the Mystery Basket Grand Prix, plus the brand-new addition of the Lumina Lamb Challenge, where the winner will secure a once in a lifetime trip to New Zealand courtesy of Lumina Lamb.
Returning Chairs of Judges for 2023 are Mark Hill, executive chef at the House of Commons, Lesley Herbet, author and college lecturer, David Mulcahy, culinary ambassador for food development and innovation at Sodexo UK & Ireland, and Stephen Scuffell, consultant chef restaurateur and college lecturer.
Among the chef judges returning for 2023 are Cyrus Todiwala of Café Spice, Gary Devereaux of the House of Lords, Dennis Mwakulua of the Lexington, Nick Vadis of Compass Group UK & Ireland, Matt Owens of the Craft Guild of Chefs, Martyn Nail of the Dorchester Hotel, Yolande Stanley of The Pastry Training Company and Candice Webber of Bennett Hay.
“We have seen our students flourish and gain massive confidence to face the world,” says Todiwala. “To all chefs: be bold, be brave, face challenges and be competitive, as it is facing an audience and creating the magic that is within you that will make the difference in your rise and future achievements, and will give you the confidence to succeed.”
Conor Bird, senior chef de partie at the House of Commons Adjournment restaurant, competed in 2022 and says: “Regardless of winning or losing, by taking part in competitions at International Salon Culinaire you will gain a tremendous amount of experience and knowledge.
“It has helped me become more confident and organised as a chef and also allowed me to meet some amazing mentors who have helped me further my career in so many ways. I have progressed through the years and gained Best in Class, which gives me a great sense of achievement and drive to keep going and improve.”
International Salon Culinaire is working with a number of equipment partners, including combi ovens from Unox, refrigeration from Liebherr, and induction from Induced Energy.
Unox will once again be taking all the Live Theatre Best-in-Class winners for on an all-expenses-paid trip to Italy to explore Venice and Padova and enjoy a guided tour around the Unox global headquarters.
Visitors to HRC will also have the opportunity to meet a wide range of professional kitchen equipment providers including Rational, Meiko, Panasonic, Unox, Fagor and Hoshizaki.
Hoshizaki will be showcasing an array of ice machines and refrigerators including the brand-new Premier range and Advance series. The show-stopping BeerMatic Dual Tap will also be on the stand – automatically pouring perfect pints for visiting hospitality professionals – alongside mixologist cocktails created using one of Hoshizaki’s most popular ice machines.
This year’s edition of HRC will have two stages, the Vision Stage and Tech X, packed with insightful discussions from leaders across the hospitality sector tackling the most important issues facing restaurants, hotels, caterers and more.
Register for your complimentary trade ticket at: hrc.co.uk.