The FINANCIAL -- The National Chef of the Year 2012 competition is now open for entries as the Craft Guild of Chefs sets about its search for a successor to 2011 winner Frederick Forster,according to Caterer and Hotelkeeper.

The prestigious competition, which this year celebrates its 40th anniversary, is one of the most sought after culinary titles for chefs in the UK and the final is set to take place at the Restaurant Show on 9 October.

Past winners whose careers have been boosted by the competition include Gordon Ramsay, Mark Sargeant, Kevin Viner and Simon Hulstone.

Open to all chefs who work in any sector of the catering industry, the National Chef of the Year celebrates the multicultural nature of the UK. The format is divided into categories: Asian/Oriental; Modern British/European; and Rest of the World/other.

David Mulcahy, organiser of the competition and vice president of the Craft Guild of Chefs, said: "It's a long road to the final. Entries need to be submitted by 1 May and if successful chefs will then have to get through the challenging semi-finals, before even getting into the final eight.

Advancing through the various stages of the competition will require a well thought out menu - competitors should pay particular attention to authenticity, sourcing, seasonality, timing and wastage when creating a menu that offers maximum flavour, texture, balance and style.

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