Gareth Ruck, Hospitality Head Chef for Lusso catering at Hogan Lovells International LLP, has been named a S.Pellegrino Young Chef 2016 semi-finalist and is the only UK contract catering chef to have advanced to this stage of the worldwide culinary competition.
Now in its second year, the S.Pellegrino Young Chef competition searches out the best young culinary talent (age 18-30) in the world.
From over 3000 applicants to just 200 globally, Ruck’s success will see him compete in the UK and Ireland live finals this summer against nine other talented young chefs from the restaurant sector.
Ruck will cook his signature dish of Salt Marsh Lamb for a jury of UK chefs in his bid to win the title of finalist for the UK and Ireland geographic area. If successful in this challenge, he will be heading off to Milan in October for the International Grand Final and a shot at the coveted S.Pellegrino Young Chef 2016 title.
Ruck’s entry was selected for the semi-finals following a strict evaluation process by ALMA, the International School of Italian Cuisine, which looked for the professionalism of an entry judged on the criteria of ingredients, skills, genius, beauty and message.
Paul Hurren, Lusso’s managing director, said, “Huge congratulations to Gareth on his fantastic achievement to date in the S.Pellegrino Young Chef 2016 challenge and for flying the flag for culinary excellence in contract catering.
'This competition features the top young chefs from all over the world and to get this far clearly shows the incredible level at which Gareth is performing.
'Gareth is an exceptional young talent and possesses the right attitude, ambition and dedication to succeed. We wish him the very best of luck in the UK and Ireland final.”