Stiofán Feeney (Ballynahinch Castle); Rob Martin (Mulcahys Restaurant); Ian Harford (Aniar); Nell McCarthy (dede); Bryan Bridgeman (Homestead Cottage); Tom Donohoe (Orwell Road); Anna Hevers (Goldie); Victor Erisay (Chapter One by Mickael Viljanen); Gráinne Brown (The Morrison Room at Carton House); Cillian McCarthy (The Morrison Room at Carton House); Aoife Comerford (Glover's Alley); Joao Carlos De Oliveira de Lima (Michael’s); Marcell Palfalusi (Thyme Restaurant); David Harte(The Searooms at Kelly's Resort)

Athlone chef makes Euro-Toques Young Chef of the Year final

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Marcell Palfalusi of Thyme Restaurant, Athlone, is one of seven finalists announced for the Euro-Toques Young Chef of the Year 2024 competition.

The semi-finals of Ireland's premier culinary competition took place at Dublin Cookery School in Blackrock on Sunday, June 23. As the competition continues to soar in popularity, this year's event garnered great enthusiasm, welcoming professional young chefs under the age of 28.

The panel of judges for the semi-finals included Head of the Young Chef Committee, Gareth Mullins of Anantara The Marker Dublin, and acclaimed chefs Kevin Burke of Library Street, Dublin, Kevin Thornton of Kooks, Dublin, Danny Africano of Lignum, Co. Galway, and Domini Kemp of Lotties, Dublin, alongside the Head of Euro-toques Ireland, Kwanghi Chan.

The theme for the semi-final was "Inspiring Regeneration," and the young chefs were tasked with demonstrating their culinary skills and creativity in two separate challenges: a skills test based on a classic gnocchi recipe and a mystery basket challenge requiring contestants to craft a dish incorporating two essential elements: vegetables and gnocchi. This challenge emphasized creativity and adaptability, as contestants had to think on their feet and make the most of the available ingredients.

The contestants were also tasked with addressing prevalent topics such as food waste, food awareness, and food miles, while adhering to a brief that excluded meat and fish. This approach underscored the event's commitment to promoting environmentally friendly kitchen practices and raising awareness of sustainable food sourcing on a global scale.

After careful consideration, the judges selected seven exceptional young chefs to progress to the finals. Marcell Palfalusi from Thyme Restaurant in Athlone will contest the final on Sunday, October 6 with mentor John Coffey.

As they prepare for the final round in October, the seven finalists will embark on a journey that includes educational activities, producer visits, and participation in key culinary events, both in Ireland and abroad. As part of their preparation for the finals, the contestants will engage in visits to local producers and masterclasses, further deepening their understanding of sustainable sourcing and the importance of supporting local food ecosystems.

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