George Kataras is the UK-Ireland Young Chef 2016 finalist

George Kataras from M Threadneedle Street, has earned his place as the UK-Ireland Best Young Chef in the semi-final of S.Pellegrino Young Chef 2016.

During an intense 3 hour cooking challenge, the 29 year-old from M Threadneedle Street presented his signature dish, named Whole Turbot to the Michelin-starred judging panel; Claude Bosi, Ollie Dabbous, Ross Lewis, and JP McMahon.

His dish, which secured the winning spot over the other nine semi-finalists, was judged against five Golden Rules: ingredients, skills, genius, beauty, and message.

Judge Claude Bosi (who holds two Michelin stars) said: “The calibre of dishes presented this evening was hugely impressive, but George Kataras’s dish of Whole Turbot stood out with its flavour, the skill involved, beauty of presentation and the true message behind it. I look forward to taking George Kataras to the grand final in Milan.  I’m honoured to be part of the S.Pellegrino global search to find the best young chef talent in the world of fine dining and I’m looking forward to helping George perfect his dish before the final in Milan – it would be great to see the UK & Ireland winner victorious for a second year running!”

In preparation for the global final in Milan during October, George Kataras will spend the next few months refining his dish under the guidance of his mentor, Claude Bosi.

He will be competing for the Best Young Chef 2016 title against 20 international finalists, during a demanding two-day competition in front of the Seven Sages jury.