The Euro-Toques Young Chef of the Year has come from the kitchens at Knockranny House Hotel in Westport, Co Mayo, for the second year running.
Kamil Dubanik (23) from Poland won the competition, organised by the Irish branch of the European Community of Chefs and Cooks, following a gourmet tasting lunch prepared by finalists in Dublin this afternoon.
Mr Dubanik started work as a kitchen porter in the Mayo hotel three years ago and has worked his way up to his current position of demi-chef de partie.
His winning menu included roast troncon of Achill Island turbot, Dublin Bay prawn tortellini and Jerusalem artichoke.
The judges described him as an “eager, hungry chef who showed intelligence in his approach and an extremely high level of skill considering his mere three years in the kitchen”.
He has won an all-expenses paid internship at The Ivy in London where he will train under executive chef Gary Lee. He has also won a one-week placement at the Michelin-starred Chapter One restaurant in Dublin under the tutelage of head chef Ross Lewis.
Mr Lewis said there was a “very high standard reflecting local and original cuisine that was thoughtful, clever and well crafted. It was very hard to choose a clear winner today, and they should be all extremely proud of themselves".
