Steven Walker from Loch Lomond Golf Club has been crowned the UK’s best professional Game Chef at the annual Game Chef of the Year competition.
10 chefs from across the UK took part in a cook off yesterday at Scottish game processor Braehead Foods who established the competition six years ago.
Each finalist had to prepare two game based dishes, one starter and one main course for the panel of Michelin star judges; Shay Cooper from The Goring, Dan Cox from Fera at Claridge’s, Ian MacAndrew from Blackaddie Hotel and Tom Kitchin from The Kitchin.
The judges were impressed with the quality of dishes on offer from the finalists, but Steven’s woodcock main course stole the show. He served woodcock breasts and legs with onion squash puree, pancetta lardons, onion shells, gnocchi, morel mushrooms, sprout leaves and a red wine jus. Steven’s starter was hare saddle with parsley sponge, parsley gel, salt baked celeriac fondant, celeriac puree, chocolate oil and cocoa nibs.
Olivia Baggley from Wilton’s Restaurant in London was named as joint runner up with Nick Nozeman from The Lovat in Loch Ness.
All 10 finalists each received £100 cash with the winner and runners up also getting their hands on a set of MAC knives courtesy of Continental Chef Supplies.
Steven will also have the chance to enjoy a shooting trip to a top Scottish estate courtesy of competition sponsor Highland Game.