9th November 2017

Surf and Turf Chef of the Year winner announced

Written by: Katie Imms
Graham Mitchell was crowned the winner of Scotland’s national Surf and Turf Chef of the Year competition this week (6 November) – co-run by Quality Meat Scotland’s (QMS) Scotch Beef Club and Seafood Scotland.

Tasked with creating a dish that combines Scotch lamb PGI and seafood from Scotland, Mitchell, head chef at the Cock and Bull restaurant in Aberdeenshire, took home the title after impressing judges with his pan seared rump of Scotch lamb with potato tubes, pea puree, peas a la francaise, crisp sweetbread and langoustine tail.

 

Beating the five other finalists - Tony Bukhsh of Inspire Catering; Barry Gamble of Chelsea Market, Glasgow; Kamil Brzezinski of Porter and Fi; Greig Rose of Porterhouse Aberdeenshire and Victor Garcia of Porterhouse Aberdeenshire – Mitchell said: “I am over the moon to be named Scotch Lamb Surf and Turf Chef of the Year 2017.

 

“I was up against some tough opponents. It was great to see so many different takes on surf and turf, a great experience prepping my dish for the conference and brilliant having the top chefs of Scotland eating my food.”


 

Comprising opinion leaders, “experienced” Scottish chefs, Seafood Scotland, gastronomy students from Queen Margaret University and food writers, the judging panel awarded Mitchell at the annual Scottish Chef’s Conference this Tuesday, 6 November, where he also served his winning dish.

 

The event saw him take home a two-night stay at the Gleneagles Hotel and Golf Resort in Auchterarder, three-course meal for two at its two-Michelin star restaurant, as well as the chance to visit a QMS quality assured local farm to learn about the whole chain assurance that underpins Scotch beef and lamb.

 

Marketing executive at QMS, Ciara Etherson, said: “The competitors have shown off their creative flair with surf and turf recipes based on quality products such as Scotch lamb PGI and Scottish seafood. Graeme’s dish was truly spectacular and tantalised the taste buds of the renowned judging panel. Hats off to the chef.“


 

Clare MacDougall, trade marketing manager at Seafood Scotland, added: “We are delighted to co-sponsor this prestigious award for the Scottish Surf and Turf Chef of the year. This accolade showcases the best of what Scotland has to offer from both land and sea.”