Top chefs from Aramark operations around the world put their culinary skills and creativity to the test April 20, 2023, as part of the annual International Chefs’ Cup competition held this year in Santiago, Chile.
Chefs from 14 countries had only three hours to prepare a three-course menu for the judges that included a seafood starter, a main course featuring the protein of each chef’s choice, and a dessert.
In teams of two people, chefs chose from a variety of fresh, local products and international ingredients, as well as from a surprise basket.
"The International Chefs’ Cup competition is a great way for chefs to show off their culinary skills and engage with their colleagues from other countries,” said Carl Mittleman, Chief Operating Officer, Aramark International. “It’s a great way to showcase the culinary culture that we live and breathe on a daily basis at Aramark.”
This year, chefs competed from Aramark operations in Argentina, Belgium, Canada, Chile, China, Czech Republic, Germany, Ireland, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Scotland, Spain, and the UK. Last year the event took place in the Czech Republic.
The Winning Teams
Winners were decided by the jury composed of accomplished international chefs, as well as a well-known food critic based in Santiago.
The UK team of Chefs John Cudmore and Liam Davidson took top honors for their dishes Seared Salmon Brandade with a Sweet Pepper and Chili Bisque, Pistachio and Matcha Crusted Fillet of Beef with Truffle Oyster Mushrooms and a Red Wine Jus, and Pisco Berry Cheesecake.
Second place went to Chilean Chefs Oscar Huerta and Jocelin Cornejo. Chefs Tomáš Frištenský and Lukáš Sedláček from Czech Republic took home third place.
The winners were announced the same evening of the competition during a gala attended by Aramark executives and guests from around the world. The UK team will travel to the US in October, 2023 to represent Aramark International in the company’s Aramark Culinary Excellence competition in Philadelphia.
Aramark International Chefs' Cup 2023
