Deanes Chef James Devine crowned National Chef of the Year 2017
James Devine, Sous Chef at Deanes EIPIC in Belfast, has scooped the title of National Chef of the Year 2017 at The Restaurant Show in London last night.
In the tense final heat the Deanes chef beat off stiff competition from ten finalists representing restaurants including Restaurant Gordon Ramsey and Petrus to win the UK’s most prestigious culinary competition. The brief focused on core culinary skills which were judged by a forty strong panel, chaired by renowned London Chef Clare Smyth. His winning menu featured Tees Valley Rib of Beef and a soft centred chocolate and coffee tart.
As the winner, James Devine is now part of the National Chef of the Year ‘Hall of Fame’, which represents culinary excellence and offers the chance to meet and work with some of the most exciting industry names.
Speaking after the announcement James Devine said “I’m honoured, I never expected to win or to come this far. Each dish was something I’d happily eat or serve up. Right now I feel humbled and very excited at the same time.”
Vice President of the Craft Guild of Chefs, who organised the competition, commented “Congratulations to James, he thoroughly deserved to take this title and this will be a career defining and life changing moment for him.”
Clare Smyth added “Although it was a tough decision we had a clear winner in the end and some really stand out dishes that could be served up in any restaurant.”
James works in the Michelin Starred Deanes EIPIC restaurant in Belfast in Deanes flagship premises in Howard Street in the city centre.
