The road to victory saw a thrilling finale with 4 chefs battling it out to win Seafood Scotland’s first Chef Poissonnier of the Year UAE. The finalists went head-to-head ‘showcasing not only their fish skills in the kitchen but their ability to adapt whilst under pressure.
Launched in the UAE in 2021 by industry body Seafood from Scotland, the UAE’s first-ever Chef Poissonnier of the Year, a high level and credible competition was initiated to support and recognize UAE chefs’ Poissonnier skills. To qualify, chefs had to first complete a 2-part online challenge to demonstrate their seafood knowledge, skills, and creativity. Once vetted by an esteemed judging panel, only 8 chefs were shortlisted for the semi-finals where they were judged for their culinary creativity, innovation and perfectly plated dishes.
In round one of this highly anticipated finale, chefs were required to cook and present Lobster Cardinal along with garnishes of Pommes Duchesse, Tomates farci a la Hussard and turned mushrooms, taken from the globally famous ‘Le Guide Culinaire’ by Auguste Escoffier. Through this challenge chefs demonstrated their modern and contemporary interpretation of a classic French dish, using all their skills and imagination to impress the judges.
In round two – The Scottish Shellfish Mystery Box, chefs produced a main course for 2 covers with an open pantry of items to choose from. All 4 finalists were judged on the correct size and proportion of the finished dish, use of main ingredients, cooking technique and their creative and innovative presentation and finishing of the dish.
Scotland’s first Chef Poissonnier of the Year UAE allowed chefs the opportunity to put themselves in the spotlight to showcase their culinary talent to a wider hospitality industry. With so many talented chefs turning up the heat, only one was able to set the stage on fire.
The Winner Takes It All
Chef Jorge Rodriguez Head Chef, Tortuga and Executive Sous Chef, Mina A’ Salam Hotel – Madinat Jumeirah, was crowned Chef Poissonnier of the Year UAE unanimously by the multi-award-winning judging panel which consisted of the Chairman of judges – Chef Wayne Tapsfield, Managing Director of Ben’s Farmhouse ME – Chef Ben Tobitt and Michelin star culinary extraordinaire – Executive Chef, Howard Ko, CÉ LA VI Dubai.
Chef Jorge stood out from the finalists and impressed the judges with one key quality – consistency. Chef Wayne Tapsfield, Chairman of judges said, “There was consistency with Jorge’s work, his approach, within his method, his imagination, his creativity and his understanding of the ingredients as well.”
As the first ‘Chef Poissonnier of the Year UAE’, Chef Jorge has won a once-in-a-lifetime all-expenses-paid educational trip to the beautiful remote Highlands and Islands of Scotland, with an opportunity to visit the fisheries to perfect his fish skills with the masters of seafood and the world’s greatest fishermen. His win also includes a personal tour of a traditional Scottish smokehouse, a premium personalised Bragard Chef’s Jacket and more!
For more coverage of the competition and to keep up to date, please visit https://www.sfschefcompetition.com/
For enquiries or information about Seafood Scotland, contact Natalie.bell@seafoodscotland.org
