Kilclief chef wins title at culinary competition

Kilclief chef wins title at culinary competition

23 March 2016

KILCLIEF chef David Magee has won a prestigious award.

The student-chef studies professional cookery at the South Eastern Regional College in Downpatrick and also works as a commis chef at Newcastle’s Slieve Donard Resort and Spa Hotel.

David was recently crowned Student Culinarian of the Year 2016 at the IFEX chef skills competition in Belfast which is Northern Ireland’s premiere food, drink, retail and hospitality event.

Hosted at the Titanic Exhibition Centre, David wowed the judges with his finely honed skills, preparing three courses in two hours. He was marked on hygiene, flavour and presentation and was assisted by commis chef Andrew Bradford.

David said he was “delighted” with his success and to receive a gold medal for his efforts during the competition.

He continued: “I was required to prepare and cook everything live during the exhibition in full view of the public and under the watchful eye of the judges, so it was very nerve racking. It was a lot of hard work and extremely tiring but, after winning the award, it’s definitely been worth it.”

College catering lecturer, Michael Gillies, described David as a “very keen, capable student” who has shown a real passion for the food and the hospitality industry.

“Winning a gold medal in such a high profile, prestigious event is a fantastic achievement. David was up against some of the best in the industry,” he explained.

“This competition is renowned for its competitiveness and attracted some of the very best up and coming chefs from across Ireland. I am absolutely thrilled he has done so well.”

Michael added: “The event also attracts key people from within the hospitality and catering industry so it’s a great opportunity to showcase what the College offers. Winning gold in this competition is just the beginning of a brilliant career for him.”