Hawksworth Young Chef Scholarship 2017 applications open for aspiring talents

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Vancouver, BC (February 16, 2017) – Celebrating its fifth year as Canada’s largest search to find the future stars of the culinary scene, the Hawksworth Young Chef Scholarship 2017 competition is officially open for applications. Established in 2013, the Foundation will continue its work to encourage aspiring, young chefs from across Canada by giving them the chance to showcase their cooking skills in front of a panel of the country’s most esteemed chefs and critics. The competition winner will take home the grand prize of $10,000 and a placement at one of the top restaurant’s in the world.

Once again, regional heats will be held across the country through May in Toronto, Calgary, Montreal and Vancouver. Joined by the Scholarship’s founder, Chef David Hawksworth and Hawksworth Restaurant’s Head Chef, Chris Stewart, each of the regional heats will also be joined by their respective city’s leading chefs, including Mark McEwan in Toronto, Vikram Vij in Vancouver, Normand Laprise in Montreal and Justin Leboe in Calgary.

“In the past four years, I’ve been amazed at the level of excellence these young chefs bring to the table and I’m sure the fifth year will prove no different” explains Chef David Hawksworth. “As always, I’m excited to meet these brilliant young cooks and truly proud to be a part in the start of their fruitful careers as chefs.”

Throughout the regional heats, 10 chosen candidates will compete against each other – and the clock – to create a main dish for four using specified pantry ingredients within the two hours given. The top two from each heat will carry forward to the final event, where they’re allotted three hours to prepare and plate both a main dish and dessert using the selection of surprise pantry items. The top prize will be awarded to the young Canadian chef, 28 years old or younger, who displays the drive, passion and skill to succeed as judged by the panel of industry professionals.

The nationwide search begins on May 13 in Montreal, quickly followed by the Toronto Heat on May 15. The competition moves westward with the Vancouver heat on May 26 and finishing in Calgary on June 17. Following a summer to finesse their skills and build their excitement, the Final competition will be held on September 16, when one deserving chef will take home the grand prize and the bragging rights of being Canada’s top young chef.