A CHEF from Crickhowell has described his shock as he was crowned the National Chef of Wales for 2019.
Gavin Kellett won the final round at the Welsh International Culinary Championships which was held over three days at Grwp Llandrillo Menai’s Rhos-on-Sea campus.
The 33-year-old, who competed last year as well, works at the Three Horseshoes Inn in Groseffordd which was recently awarded its second AA Rosette.
He said: “I am very surprised to have won. It has been very hectic over the last three or four days preparing for this so to have won is up there with the best days of my career. I have done well in competitions before, but this is probably the biggest achievement for me.
“I try to do thinks a bit differently with my own twist on classics. I wasn’t going to enter any more competitions after this, but I will have to change my mind now. I have to thank my wife who was with me today and also my work for allowing me the time off to enter. I am delighted.”
Competitors were tasked with creating a three course meal using mainly Welsh produce for four people including a vegan starter, a main course which used two cuts of Welsh beef, and a dessert which used chocolate as the main ingredient.
Gavin’s star menu included his vegan take on a Waldolf salad as a starter, Welsh ale Butty Bach glazed Welsh beef fillet with braised oxtail and a Coco Pzazz dark chocolate and Penderyn whiskey cheesecake.
Ashley Haworth, who owns the Three Horseshoes Inn, said: “It’s a great achievement for him, the Three Horseshoes Inn and the Brecon area.”.
As well as dragon trophy, Gavin has been invited to a study tour hosted by Koppert Cress in the Netherlands as well as £250 worth of Churchill products and engraved knives by Friedr Dick.
The competition, which was orgnaised by the Culinary Association of Wales, held its finals from Tuesday, February 26 until the awards dinner on Thursday, February 28 when Gavin was crowned the winner at the Llandudno Bay Hotel.
The main sponsor for the competition was Food and Drink Wales. Its other sponsors included Meat Promotion Wales (Hybu Cig Cymru), Castell Howell, Major Inernational, Harlech Foods, H. N. Nuttall, Churchill, MCS Tech, Rollergrill, Koppertcress and Dick Knives.