Pembrokeshire Chef Competing for Title of Best in Wales

Pembrokeshire: A chef from a local restaurant is making waves at a big culinary competition. Sam Rust, who cooks at The Grove in Narberth, has caught the judges’ attention.

He was one of ten chefs recognized for their amazing dishes at the National Chef of Wales final. This event took place during the Welsh International Culinary Championships on Monday.

Each finalist had three hours to whip up three courses for twelve diners, using Welsh ingredients and Cygnet Gin. They had to create a plant-based starter, a main course with two cuts of Welsh beef, and a dessert with hot, cold, and chocolate elements.

For his starter, Sam made fermented cashew ravioli with PGI leek and a soy-glazed celeriac skewer. His main dish featured a Welsh beef fillet paired with a chuck beef burger and PGI Caerphilly cheese.

And for dessert? He served up Mayan chocolate espuma with barbecued banana and passion fruit. Sounds delicious, right?

Now, everyone is waiting for the awards ceremony on Wednesday night to see who takes home the title. Colin Gray, the judging panel’s chairman, mentioned that this competition is really gaining popularity.

He noted that there were more finalists than ever this year, and it’s becoming a key event on the Welsh culinary scene. They’re hoping to find a chef to represent Wales in the Global Chef Challenge next year.

The WICC, organized by the Culinary Association of Wales, is being held at the International Convention Centre Wales in Newport. The event wraps up with an awards dinner on Wednesday.

This competition is part of a larger event that also includes finals for the Welsh Apprentice Butcher of the Year and the Vegan Chef of Wales.

Best of all, the WICC is free for visitors, including local school kids, and this year it’s combined with the Castell Howell Welsh Food and Drink Show. Lots of sponsors are backing this fantastic event, making it a real celebration of Welsh cuisine.