Simon Hulstone, chef proprietor of The Elephant in Torquay, has finished fourth in the European finals of the Bocuse d’Or, qualifying for the World Final in Lyon next year.
The competition held in Geneva, Switzerland, saw 20 chef candidates from countries across Europe compete over a two day period for a place in the finals.
Hulstone, who told BigHospitality in a video interview recently that he and commis chef Jordan Bailey had been preparing for the event for over seven months, said he was over the moon with the result.
“We came with no expectations but to come fourth is just incredible,” he said.
Meat and fish platters
The candidates were tasked with creating a fish platter using Sterling White Halibut, and a meat platter using Swiss Veal, the latter of which secured Hulstone a Special Meat Prize.
Hulstone and Bailey’s fish platter consisted of a Ballotine of Norwegian Halibut poached in Seaweed Stock, with a Custard of Langoustine and Summer Pea with Wild Fennel Pollen, a garnish of Young Carrots Braised in Cornish Sea Buckthorn with Golden Beetroot, Scottish Smoked Salmon and Langoustine Tartare, Pickled Onion and Devon Flora, plus a Buttered Verjus and Spring Onion sauce.
The pair’s meat platter was a Rib of Swiss Veal, Pistachio and Black Pudding, Sweetbread and Garlic Sausage, a Cauliflower and Parmesan ‘Cutlet’, Devon Asparagus with Peas and Wild Mushrooms with a Foie Gras Button, Braised Red Beetroot with Goats Cheese and Truffle, and a Madeira and Truffle Jus.
Through to the final
A panel of 23 judges, headed by Philippe Rochat, Freddy Giradet and Daniel Boulud, named Denmark the overall winner, with Norway and France placed second and third respectively.
Brian Turner, the president of the UK’s competition entry, told BigHospitality: "We did really well, I’m so proud of the boys. Being based in Torquay they are a long way from London so it’s not easy for them, but they put it together to come here to qualify for Lyon.
“There’s no doubt the Danish are a professional outfit, they have more money than Simon will ever be allowed to spend. They were the favourite to win today, but as for Lyon, it all depends on the day.”
The countries now going forth to compete in the World Final are:
Denmark
Norway
France
UK
Sweden
Finland
Switzerland
Iceland
Spain
Netherlands
Germany
Poland