Hello from the Young Seafood Chef of the Year

Hello there,



I'm Craig McKenzie and I am a Commis among the brigade of chefs in the kitchen. I have been a chef for two and a half years; I started my career at Potarch Hotel and left in December last year. I came to the Milton Restaurant at the start of the year, where I actually worked Front of House for two months, until a place in the kitchen was free. Earlier on this year Chef David asked me if I wanted to enter in to the Young Scottish Seafood Chef of the Year competition, and seeing as I had never entered any competitions before, I was a bit apprehensive. I came up with a few ideas for my dishes and tried them out until I had a starter and a main I was happy with. I was lucky enough for my dishes to get through the first paper entry round, where the competition was narrowed down from 87 to 6 finalists. On the 3rd July 2009, I went down to the Edinburgh Food and Wine College where the final was taking place. I cooked the dishes to the best of my ability and I didn't let my nerves get the better off me, I came away with 1st place. My prize was the chance to cook for Alex Salmond and friends, a week's work experience at a restaurant in Edinburgh and a trophy.



Hope you enjoy your meal



Craig