26/01/2007 - Amateur chefs cook off

Cook Off

Amateur chefs, male and female, are being given the chance to demonstrate their skills at some of Oxfordshire's finest restaurants by taking part in Henley Food Festival's "Cook-Off' competition.

Held in March, as a warm up to Henley 's Food Festival on 11 and 12 May, the cook-off will be overseen and judged by professionals.

Sixteen amateur chefs compete for the opportunity to win through to a live final at the festival. The ultimate winner will be offered a complimentary day for two people at the 'Mike Robinson Game and Wild Food Cookery School ,' attached to the Pot Kiln in Yattendon.

In the first round, eight couples go head to head against each other at four venues - The Pot Kiln, The Baskerville Arms in Shiplake, The Crooked Billet at Stoke Row and The Little Angel in Henley . They will cook a main course of their choice in front of their own supporters and pub regulars.

To encourage flair and initiative, contestants will only be allowed to spend£10 on ingredients. In addition, they will have access to oil, seasoning and herbs.

Two winners will be chosen from each venue and judging will be by the venue proprietors- Mike Robinson at the Pot Kiln, Graham Cromack at the Baskerville Arms, Paul Clereheugh at The Crooked Billet and Douglas Green at the Little Angel.

Those chosen go forward into knock-out quarter and semi finals until only two remain to contest the final at Henley Town Hall during the festival. The winner will be chosen by "a celebrity chef".

Amateur chefs who want to enter the competition should
e-mail info@henleyfoodfestival.co.uk .