Malta Selected as Host for the 2024 S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Competition
Malta is set to host the prestigious S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Competition 2024, a global initiative by the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy aimed at discovering and mentoring the world’s most talented young chefs.
The event, scheduled for mid-November 2024, will take place in Malta and feature a highly esteemed local jury for the South Europe and Mediterranean Regional Final. The jury comprises renowned culinary experts Thanos Feskos (Greece), Iwona Niemczewska (Poland), Alexandru Iacob (Romania), Igor Jagodic (Slovenia), and Victor Borg from MasterChef Malta, representing the host country.
Aspiring chefs under 30 are required to present a signature dish that showcases their talent, creativity, and vision. The applications are initially evaluated by ALMA, the International School of Italian Culinary Arts, which will shortlist the competitors for the Regional Finals.
Victor Grech
During the Regional Final, the jury will assess the dishes based on three Golden Rules, each rated on a scale from one to ten:
- Technical Skills: Proficiency in selecting and processing raw materials, cooking techniques, and recipe execution.
- Creativity: Ability to express a unique culinary philosophy, incorporating personal experience, knowledge, and professional skills in an innovative manner.
- Personal Belief: Capacity to communicate a clear and compelling culinary vision, reflecting the young chef’s identity and values through their dish.
The winners of the Regional Finals will not only gain significant visibility and prestige but will also compete at the Grand Finale in Milan in 2025 for the global S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Award.
In addition to the main prize, the competition will also bestow three special awards: the S.Pellegrino Social Responsibility Award, voted by the Sustainable Restaurant Association; the Acqua Panna Connection in Gastronomy Award, chosen by competition mentors; and the Fine Dining Lovers Food for Thought Award, decided by Fine Dining Lovers readers.
Alberto Bafumi from Charles Grech Company Limited, the local distributor for Acqua Panna & S.Pellegrino, expressed enthusiasm for Malta hosting this distinguished event: “Malta is more than ready to host one of the most prestigious awards in the culinary industry. We are working diligently to make this event a remarkable experience for our islands, the participants, and the brand representatives. Malta is ready, and we can’t wait to welcome you all.”
For more details on the initiative, visit the website here!
