The first ever female winner of National Young Chef of the Year, 22 year old Ruth Hansom has agreed to become Chef Patron for the Association of Catering Excellence (ACE). She joins fellow chef, Adam Handling as well as patrons Chris Sheppardson (Chess Partnership), Marc Verstringhe (MESV Consultancy Int), Wendy Bartlett (bartlett mitchell), Jane Sunley (Purple Cubed), Rosemary Osbourne MBE, Alistair Storey (BaxterStorey), Chris Bray (Sodexo Prestige).
Over the last few years, ACE has been focussed on getting more young people in the industry more involved in networking. As well as the ACE Robyns Award in July, up and coming young team members have been invited to events such as the Charity Dinner, and ACE’s chef competition, Ready Steady Cook event now has a special award for promising chefs under the age of 25. ACE has seen a significant increase in numbers attending the events, perhaps due to the interest from the next generation.
Ruth has agreed to be a judge at Ready Steady Cook in September:
“I’m really looking forward to getting involved with Ready Steady Cook. I’m hoping younger judges will help put some of the younger contestants at ease. It can be quite daunting being judged by experienced, senior chefs, especially if you’re testing out modern interpretations and new flavour combinations.”
Ruth is also keen to introduce younger people in the industry to the benefits of good food and wine, and already has some ideas about events for the younger generation such as informal pairing evenings with small plates and complementary wines, rather than the formality of a dinner.
ACE Chair, Gaye Bullard said:
“We’re delighted to welcome Ruth as a patron and judge. She has clearly got ambition and drive and I’m sure she’ll bring a fresh new perspective to our mission to make networking appealing to young people.”
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