Panel of Chefs ‘Cook Up’ New Chef Ireland Competition Menu for CATEX 2019

​The Panel of Chefs of Ireland have just launched the new Chef Ireland competitions schedule for CATEX 2019 – Ireland’s premier foodservice trade event – coming to the RDS, Dublin from Tuesday 26th – Thursday 28th February 2019. 
 
Playing their role in helping the industry’s rising stars and talented professionals battle it out in the kitchen, the Panel of Chefs’ Chef Ireland competitions have always been central to CATEX and play a key role in creating the electric atmosphere at Ireland’s biggest foodservice and hospitality event. 

Taking place across three days, the sizzling new program is bursting with fresh concepts and challenging competitions. Open to chefs from across Ireland, The Panel of Chefs are anticipating that over 400 chefs, the highest number to date, will participate at CATEX 2019, which is supported by Bunzl and Calor.
 
NEW at Chef Ireland this year are the Restaurant Cook Serve and Hotel Restaurant Cook Serve competitions – head-to-head team challenges involving both chefs and food service professionals. Supported by IFSA (Irish Foodservice Suppliers Alliance) the winning team from both competitions will receive a once-in-a-lifetime gastronomy getaway to the gourmet capital of France, Lyon. Staying in the 5* Intercontinental Hotel, the teams will enjoy lunch at one of the founders of the ‘nouvelle cuisine’ movement, Paul Bocuse’s Brasserie Le Sud, relax for dinner during a cruise on the Rhone and tour the Beaujolais wine region, followed by a Michelin-starred lunch.
 
With the heat on, day three will host the increasingly popular Contract Caterers’ Culinary Challenge.  As one of the most hotly contended accolades, this year’s winning team will be awarded with an incredible culinary trip to the Basque region of San Sebastian, dining at some of the best tables in the region and getting the opportunity to visit a Basque winery.
 
Following the launch of the new schedule, Patrick Brady, President of the Panel of Chefs of Ireland comments: “In our 60th year as an organisation, we wanted to introduce new elements to our competitions at CATEX to ensure that they’re reflective of today’s changing and vibrant hospitality sector.
 
“Our new Chef Ireland programme promotes the development of all aspects of the Culinary Arts Profession. From student chefs and kitchen trainees to celebrated, leading chefs within the industry, we have a program for all at CATEX 2019.”
 
Commenting on the new team challenges, Patrick adds: “Following the huge success of the Contract Caterers’ competition over the last few years, we’ve introduced the Restaurant Cook Serve and Hotel Restaurant Cook Serve elements for 2019. Each of these competitions will feature a number of teams going head-to-head, and with incredible team prizes up for grabs, we’re expecting these events to be some of the most hotly contended over the three days.”
 
Challenging competitions will be running alongside food demonstrations including Junior Chef, Sugar Craft, Fish and Butchery Demonstrations. Brendan O’Neill, Vice President of the Panel of Chefs of Ireland states: “The future of food, drink and hospitality, and new industry trends, are the key themes which are reflected throughout Chef Ireland at CATEX and we aim to highlight these through our new program of competitions and demonstrations.
 
“Emerging trends in the market will be addressed through new categories such as street style Asian cuisine, flatbreads of the world, vegan plates and contemporary classical cuisine.”
 
Mr O’Neill adds: “In addiction for the first time in Catex history the chef Ireland 2019 competitions are now classed as Worldchefs Approved regional Competitions endorsed by the World Association of Chef Societies.”
 
 Supported by Bunzl and Calor, over 70% of show space is already secured, confirmed exhibitors include Lynas Foodservice, Bewleys, Hugh Jordan, Henderson Foodservice and Marco Beverage Systems. There are many new names committed to CATEX 2019 including Fixx Coffee, Middleton Foods, Blue Ice Machines and more.
 
As one of Ireland’s longest running trade exhibitions, CATEX has established itself as a major force in the hospitality industry, it’s the ultimate diary date for anyone in the sector. By booking early, exhibitors can take advantage of securing prime positioning and being included in the promotional campaign in the run up to the show. To find out more about CATEX and to book your space, please contact EventHaus on (00353) 1 846 0020 or see www.CATEXexhibition.com  
 
To view the Panel of Chefs of Ireland’s competition programme, please see www.chefsofireland.ie
 
CATEX - Ireland’s definitive foodservice event, 26th - 28th February 2019 at the RDS, Simmonscourt.
 
- ENDS – 
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