World Young Chef Young Waiter and Young Mixologist 2023 Competition Final
Taking place in Monaco 23rd -24th November
The 2023 world finals competition of both World Young Chef Young Waiter and Young Mixologist will take place at the Lycée Rainer lll Monaco on the 23rd-24th November.
- The culinary competition will bring together 22 world finalists, including nine Young Chefs, nine Young Waiters, and four Young Mixologists.
- The chefs and waiters will team up together to design a winning menu and serve their national dishes to an internationally acclaimed judging panel.
- The winning Chef and Waiter will win a cash prize of $10,000.
- World Young Mixologist elevated by NEFT Vodka will host a special cocktail challenge and the winning mixologist will win a cash prize of $5,000.
On the 23rd-24th November 2023, Monaco will host the world’s most esteemed culinary competition, the Young Chef Young Waiter, and Young Mixologist World Finals. The competition will take place at the iconic Lycée Rainier III, where these exceptional young talents will compete for the title of World Young Chef Young Waiter and Young Mixologist 2023.
The WYCYW finals will start with a grand Opening Ceremony, which will take place at the Lycée Rainer lll, involving a Flag Waving Ceremony in what we call the hospitality Olympics. One of the highlights of the World Finals is the Educational Day, which is designed to enrich the knowledge and skills of young talents. This day will include an exclusive tour of some of Monaco’s iconic locations, including the SBM Tour and a visit to the L’Organgerie Distillery. The evening awards ceremony will unfold, at The Salle Empire of Hôtel de Paris, where the World Young Chef Young Waiter and Young Mixologist winners will be crowned.
Meet the WYCYW Finalists
England winners: The winning chef Benjamin Mabley from Hartwell House Hotel & Spa and the winning waiter Jade Walker from The Frog London.
USA California winners: The winning chef Marcus Youn from Knife Pleat and the winning waiter Regina Gutierre from The French Laundry.
Monaco winners: The winning chef Jordan Callen from Trinity Monte-Carlo and the winning waiter Daryl Danican from Monte Carlo Bay Hotel.
Singapore winners: The winning chef Ian Tan from Bottega Di Carne Singapore and the winning waiter Belle Torres from Restaurant Zen.
Scotland winners: The winning chef Iain Tennant from Gleneagles Hotel and the winning waiter Anna Wither from Gleneagles Hotel.
Wales winner: The winning chef Sam Everton from Coleg Ceredigion and the winning waiter Carys Webster from Grove of Narberth.
Ireland winners: The winning chef Stiofan Feeney from Aroma, Rome and the winning waiter Francesca Motta from Chapter One.
Cayman Island winners: The winning chef Sebastian Amaya from The Ritz Carlton, Grand Cayman and the winning waiter Rosie Mckitrick from Agua Restaurant.
Hong Kong winners: The winning chef Ardy Ferguson from Belon and the winning waiter Teddy Tso from The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong.
Meet the WYM Finalist
England winner: USA California winner:
Niamh Preedy from Northcote Hotel Mitchell Corriell from Little Beach House, Malibu
Monaco winner: Singapore winner:
Luigi Giannini from COYA Monte-Carlo Zana Mohlmann from Manhattan Singapore
Finalists will be judged by a panel of esteemed culinary experts, food critics, and industry leaders including chef judges Adam Handling, Mario Perera, Michael Kwan, Mark Sargeant, Emanuele, Paul Walsh, Simon Ganache and Christian Garcia. our respected waiter judges are Simon King, Andy Downton, Jayne Griffith-parry, George Heresy and Daniele Giovinazzo. The honoured mixologist judges are Anna Sebastian and Yann Bouvignies.
The competition promises a thrilling display of culinary expertise, creativity, and professionalism. The World Young Chef Young Waiter and World Young Mixologist finals celebrate the talent and dedication of young professionals but also serve as a platform to inspire future generations to pursue careers in the culinary arts and hospitality.
We are grateful for the generous support of our esteemed sponsors and partners, including Twiga Group, NEFT Vodka, Lycée Rainer ll, Great Campaign, Crazy Pizza, Culinary Institute of America, Pure Iconic Water, Monte Carlo Societe Ses Bains de Mer and Hotel de Paris Monte Carlo.
Quotations:
Robert Walton MBE, Chairman of World Young Chef Young Waiter and President of the Restaurant Association said: “I’m thrilled about the upcoming World Young Chef Young Waiter Final, where we will crown the World Champion Chef, Waiter and Mixologist. This competition, now in its 46th year continues to celebrate the young talent in our dynamic industry. The mission of World YCYW is to discover the very best young talent in our field. In 2023, our participants had the invaluable opportunity to meet renowned industry experts, acquire new skills, and forge lasting friendships. For competitors, it’s a chance to assess their abilities, advance their careers, learn, and unleash their potential. Over the years, this competition has served as a launching pad for the careers of many industry luminaries. I extend heartfelt thanks to all our sponsors and partners for their continued encouragement. To all our finalists, I send my best wishes for the grand finale. Above all, I encourage them to enjoy the experience to the fullest, as that’s the true essence of this competition “
Anna Sebastian, founder of Celebrates Her and Hospitality said: ” I am very excited to be part of the YM competition, especially to be able to see and engage with the new talent from around the world. It is such a great platform which has a created a community and network for many people in the hospitality industry so to be part of it is a great honour. Really looking forward to seeing the young mixologists take part in the challenges and showcase the best version of themselves”
Simon King, igniting hospitality said: “As a previous winner and judge for many years I’m thrilled to be involved in World YCYW 2023. This competition has continued to grow and evolve year after year. We have really revitalised this competition with relevant tasks and skills that will showcase the attributes needed from a top modern-day hospitality professional. This team competition is designed to challenge, teach, and inspire the next generation, I can’t wait.
Christophe, Lycée Rainer lll said: “I always find it interesting for a hotel school to get involved in organising a professional competition. It gives our students the opportunity to observe professionals, but also to welcome and meet some of the great names in the profession. It’s also a way for the teaching teams and their students to show off their skills during the convivial moments associated with the competition. Hosting the Monegasque YCYW selections was a great event, and we’re looking forward to hosting the final.”
Kate Taylor Tett, Director, GREAT said: “GREAT is delighted to be partnering with The World Young Chef Young Waiter again this year. GREAT is all about promoting the best of the UK on a world stage ‘to see things differently.’ Nothing does this better than our thriving UK hospitality sector. The World YCYW recognises the best in the UK and internationally and it’s great to be part of it. Congratulations to all the nominees for getting this far.”
Adam Handling, Head Chef Judge: “It’s always such a privilege to judge World YCYW and to be given the opportunity to mentor and develop the future of this industry. It makes me so proud to see their unwavering passion and determination to succeed and progress in their careers. As someone who competed in this competition a long time ago, I have seen the benefits first-hand and I really would encourage the young talent of this industry to participate in the future. They will have experiences that they’ll remember forever and meet like-minded people from all over the world. I’m really excited to judge such incredible talent and help them make memories.”
Rob Edwards, Waiter Judge: “I came into hospitality after a long career in finance and it quickly captured my heart and soul. I feel very lucky to be able to able to contribute to the future of the industry and be a part of such an amazing competition that gives a huge platform for talented young people to further their careers in the best way possible. It’s not just a competition, but a community that can support talent, whether they win the competition or not, in their careers long term.”
Paul Robison’s, NEFT Vodka: “I’m really impressed by the dedication and talent of the YCYWYM finalists. The level of creativity and enthusiasm that they bring to this competition definitely warrants being played out on a world stage. I and NEFT Vodka are honoured to be a part of a program that supports and encourages young artists that will be the future of hospitality.”
Sean Valentine, Managing Director of World Young Chef Young Waiter said: “We are most grateful to His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco for his support in hosting our second year of the World Young Chef Young Waiter and Young Mixologist final in Monaco. We are delighted to see the 13 world finalists battle it out in the Lycée Rainier III culinary school, l with a fabulous awards dinner being held at the Hotel de Paris opulent ballroom, Salle Empire, where we will crown the winning world champions.”
Laura Head, Champagne PIAFF Business Development Manager said: “Champagne PIAFF are so proud to see our Scottish finalists in the World Young Chef Young Waiter competition and are thrilled to be supporting all the Young Chefs and Waiters on their journey.
We’re a vibrant, forward-thinking brand and it’s so refreshing to see this next generation starting to shine and it’s exciting to think that some of these young people could become the faces of the hospitality scene in years to come. This competition really gives us the opportunity to support young talent and give back to the hospitality industry and it’s a such an honour to work alongside the inspirational team of Judges that have given their time and expertise. We look forward to raising a glass and celebrating at the World Young Chef Waiter final in Monaco and can’t wait to see how the Scottish division grows year on year”
About YM
The Young Mixologist competition, elevated by NEFT Vodka further promotes hospitality as a career of choice, a profession, and a vocation. The Young Mixologist competition aims to acknowledge young and outstanding talents behind the bar in the hospitality industry. In today’s restaurant scene, mixologists have become the new rockstars. Crafting fabulous cocktails, making exquisite food, and providing excellent service are the keys to success. The Young Mixologist competition, designed for individuals aged 28 and younger, aims to recognise the talent and expertise required to craft exceptional cocktails.
The Young Mixologist competition started in 2022 in Monaco and now in 2023 has taken place in 4 countries around the world. In 2024, the YM competition is expanding to more countries around the world giving more opportunities to the many outstanding talents in the hospitality industry. Celebrating the extraordinary young talent who push the boundaries of mixology and elevate cocktail-making to new heights.
About WYCYW
Since its establishment in 1979, the Young Chef Young Waiter competition has continued to promote hospitality as a career of choice, a profession, and a vocation. Today, with its new revitalised format Young Chef Young Waiter continues to honour the next culinary and service stars globally. World Young Chef Young Waiter, in partnership with Great Campaign UK and Northern Ireland and Culinary Institute of America, mission is to discover the best young talents in the industry. The competition is open to Young Chefs and waiters under the age of 28 from diverse backgrounds and WYCYW ensures these young talents are equipped with relevant skills, current knowledge, and a network to help them succeed in the world of hospitality.
In 2022, the competition marked a significant milestone by expanding its reach to a global audience, with participants from seven countries striving for the title of World Young Chef Young Waiter Champion. Building on this success, the competition is set to return in 2023, reaffirming its commitment to supporting the global hospitality industry and providing an expansive stage for the cultivation of creativity, education, and innovation that knows no geographical bounds, the event promises to surpass all previous iterations in size, quality, and sustainability.
Beyond celebrating the accomplishments and diversity of the hospitality industry, past winners of Young Chef Young Waiter have achieved remarkable success, with some becoming industry successes.
Notes to editors:
The World Young Chef Young Waiter competition, established in 1979 in partnership with UKHospitality and the Restaurant Association. The competition promotes hospitality as a career of choice, a profession, and an avocation. The competition is open to all young chefs and waiters from any background under the age of 28.
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