Young hospitality duo are world champs
TWO young hospitality professionals representing Wales in the prestigious global final of the World Young Chef Young Waiter (YCYW) competition have become world champions after gaining national titles just a fortnight earlier.
The competition, which was brought to Wales and hosted by University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) for the first time ever this year, began with national finals in Swansea which whittled contestants down to a final duo to go forward and represent Wales on the global stage.
The world final took place at The Maybourne Riviera Hotel in Monaco, where 14 young contestants battled in Masterchef style, with nationalities competing as a pair – chef and waiter – to serve a menu that represented their country.
Wales scooped the top spot, with chef contestant Ali Halbert, 26, of Heaneys in Cardiff, and waiter Tilly Morris, 21, of Grove of Narberth, being crowned world champions.
Their task was to prepare and serve a three-course lunch to VIP guests. They were assessed by an expert judging panel of world-leading hospitality experts including highprofile UK chefs Adam Handling, Jason Atherton and Mark Sargeant, who observed every step of the process.
Ali’s winning menu was
called “A Taste of Wales” and incorporated Welsh ingredients such as laverbread and local clams, with dish names such as “Sugarloaf Mountain” connecting the best of the nation’s flavours with its unique landscapes.
Tilly’s winning cocktail, “I See the Sea”, adopted a similar style. Using local samphire, vermouth made from ingredients foraged in Pembrokeshire and jalapenos grown in the garden of her workplace, she won an additional Creative Cocktail Award sponsored by NEFT vodka and a $1,000 prize, split with Ali.
Dr Jayne Griffith-parry, chair of judges for YCYW Wales and programme manager for gastronomy and hotel management courses at UWTSD, said: “It’s been fantastic to witness and be part of Tilly and Ali’s success here in Monaco after our Wales finals in Swansea a few weeks ago.
“They bring incredible passion, skill and flair, proving that the Welsh hospitality industry is going from strength to strength. The university works hard to provide opportunities for young people to shine and gain practical experience and skills.”