Nathan Cooper from Benfleet, Essex, the winner of the Riso Gallo UK & Ireland Young Risotto Chef of the Year 2024, has claimed his prize – four days’ work experience with renowned chefs Fabio Pisani and Alessandro Negrini and their team at the 2 Michelin starred Il Luogo Aimo e Nadia in Milan.
Nathan, aged 23, said: “To see how an amazing restaurant like Il Luogo Aimo e Nadia operates was just amazing. To have a chance of not only working in one of their restaurants but two, and to actually get to eat in one is something I’d never expect to happen.”
He added, “I also have to say their risotto is amazing. I learnt so much in such a short time and couldn’t have asked for anymore from anyone. The whole experience was amazing, I’ve made connections I never thought I’d have through this trip and this competition.”
Fabio Pisani commented; “It’s always a pleasure for me – and for us, at Aimo e Nadia Group – to support the Riso Gallo’s UK & Ireland Young Risotto Chef of the Year. This competition is a great opportunity not only for the young chefs to grow but also for us to meet a different culture and food perspectives, share new ideas, and imagine – together – different ways to honour and celebrate the finest rice.”
Jason Morrison, MD Riso Gallo UK, said; “We at Riso Gallo are proud to support our young UK & Ireland based chefs, with work experience opportunities”.
Nathan wowed the judges with his Waste Knot’ Carrot and Caramelised Miso Risotto, with sheep milk labneh, smoked walnuts, carrot top pesto and shimeji mushroom.
Nathan competed against thirteen young chefs in the Grand Final at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on the 10th June 2024. The award was presented by Ambassador Lambertini, from the Italian Embassy in London.
The final judging panel included…
- Chair of judges Mark Reynolds, Executive Chef at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
- Danilo Cortellini, Consultant Chef, Jiri Dvorak, Head Chef at The Italian Embassy
- Adriano Cavagnini, Executive Chef at Bvlgari Hotel London
- Fabio Pisani from Il Luogo Aimo e Nadia in Milan
- Davide Degiovanni Head Chef at 5 Hertford St
- Francesco Dibenedetto, Chef de Cuisine Brooklands at the Peninsula Hotel, in London
- Food journalist Barney Desmazery
- Consultant Chef, Clive Howe was the chef co-ordinator on the day
The Riso Gallo UK & Ireland Young Risotto Chef of the Year Competition is supported by Essential Cuisine, Filippo Berio, Koppert Cress, Craft Guild of Chefs, Masterchefs GB, and Chef & Restaurant Magazine.
Contact Jason on jmorrison@gallouk.com for your nearest wholesaler
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