Westminster-Kingsway College

Former Westminster Kingsway Professional Chef Diploma student, Selin Kiazim, has won the title of Spanish Young Chef of the Year 2010.

Selin Kiazim, who graduated from the Professional Chef Diploma programme in 2008 and now works as a junior chef at The Providores restaurant in London, impressed the judges in the competition in which finalists had to create three memorable dishes that reflect the food of Spain. They also had to use particular Spanish ingredients, including persimmon, chorizo and Picota cherries.

As part of the competition, finalists had to undergo a short interview with the judges; Maria Jose Seville, Director of Foods from Spain, Chef and Author, Peter Gordon and Westminster Kingsway Chef Lecturer, Jose Luis Souto. This was to further test their knowledge and understanding of foods from the Spanish region.

Selin’s winning menu featured a starter of pan-fried hake with clams a la marinera and a persimon and walnut salad; a main course of roasted Iberico pork, spiced mocilla and pumpkin croquette and a basque red bean and chorizo stew; and almond cake with sherry ice-cream, seville orange jelly and raspberry honeycomb for dessert. First prize for Selin is seven days in Spain, including three days work placement at the world famous El Bulli restaurant.

Westminster Kingsway third year Professional Chef Diploma student Ben Murphy came third, winning a trophy and a book by Peter Gordon.

Jose Souto, Westminster Kingsway Chef Lecturer, said: "The competition was conceived to give young chefs an insight into the world of Spanish ingredients by not only formulating a menu from a set of ingredients but by also inviting them to learn about the background of Spanish food. The hard work put in by each finalist must be commended."

Selin Kiazim (pictured left) said: "I love discovering food from all over the world and I have learnt a lot about Spanish ingredients by entering the Spanish Young Chef of the Year competition. I am looking forward to learning even more at El Bulli".