Palmerston North man becomes Scotland’s top chef

Palmerston North man becomes Scotland’s top chef

Wanganui Regional Community Polytechnic graduate Andrew May has been awarded the title of Scotland’s top chef following a grueling final in Glasgow.

Tim Snape, Programme Leader for Culinary Arts at Whanganui UCOL, which merged with the polytechnic in 2002, says it is a magnificent achievement. “To our knowledge, Andrew is the first New Zealander to achieve the title which recognises and rewards new culinary talent in Scotland.

“There will be many people who remember Andrew and who will take pride in his success. It will also be an inspiration to our Culinary Arts students who traditionally excel in New Zealand competitions and now know that with the right training, you can aim even higher.”

Andrew studied with former Head of Culinary Arts at Whanganui UCOL, Joe Power, in 1992. Joe, who owns the Essence Catering company in Wanganui, says Andrew was a talented student, “very dedicated, with a good attitude.”

Andrew won the title at the ScotHot food event in Glasgow where competitors were supplied with a Mystery Basket of ingredients. They had to create a balanced, four-course menu for a party of four, using seasonal Scottish produce. Well-presented, detailed recipes and methods were also required as part of the competition criteria.

Throughout the final, competitors were judged on technical skill, creativity, use and interpretation of ingredients, flavour and texture combinations and presentation style.

Simon Marshall, managing director of sponsor Unilever Foodsolutions, commented: "It is so exciting to see new talent like Andrew come through the competition…He is an extremely deserving winner and created an outstanding menu in the final."

Andrew May was educated at St James School and St Peter's College in Palmerston North before attending Wanganui Polytechnic. He left New Zealand in 1992 and based himself in Scotland, after marrying a Scottish girl, Jenni.

They have three children and live in Blairgowrie, Perthshire, Scotland where Andrew is Head Chef at the Kinloch House Hotel.

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