15th January 2024

Riso Gallo’s Young Risotto Chef of the Year competition opens for entries

Written by: Edward Waddell
The Riso Gallo’s UK & Ireland Young Risotto Chef of the Year competition, which is aimed at young chefs aged 17-23-years-old either in education or starting their professional careers, has officially opened for entries.

Entrants have been asked to complete a simple entry form, detailing why they have chosen their selected dish and why they would like to win the competition. Entries are open until 31st March, with those selected for the regional heats asked to reproduce the recipe they submitted.

Jason Morrison, managing director of Riso Gallo UK, said: “For over 165 years, Riso Gallo has supplied many of the top chefs across the world with Italian rice of the highest quality. We understand their passion and commitment to their craft, and the years of training they undertake.

“We launched this competition to help foster and reward the next generation, who can inject personality, passion and creativity into their own vibrant, exciting risotto dish. Our UK & Ireland Young Risotto Chef of the Year has gone from strength to strength each year.”

The final will take place at the H Club, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on 10th June 2024. The overall winner will receive an all-expenses paid three day work experience with Fabio Pisani, Alessandro Negrini and their team at the two Michelin starred Il Luogo in Milan, famous for its contemporary Italian cuisine.

The runner up will win a trip to the Italian Embassy in London, plus a selection of rice from Riso Gallo, oils from Filippo Berio and stocks and sauce bases from Essential Cuisine.

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.”

The regional heats will take place at:

  • 23.01.24 – Wales – ICC Newport – Welsh National Championships
  • 05.03.24 – NI & Ireland – IFEX 2024
  • 18.04.24 – Scotland – West Lothian College
  • 19.04.24 – North East – Durham College
  • 25.04.24 – North West – Trafford College, Manchester
  • 26.04.24 – Midlands – Loughborough College
  • 02.05.24 – South East – North Herts College
  • 03.05.24 – South West – Reading College
  • 10.06.24 – Final – The H Club, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London

To enter or find out more, visit here.