FFS young chef

Food from Spain, the Spanish promotional body, has announced the creation of a new UK-based competition to find the Spanish Young Chef of the Year 2008.

The competition is designed to promote the use of seasonal Spanish fresh produce and ingredients amongst students between the ages of 17 and 23 who have a proven interest in cooking.

Entrants must design a three-course meal using Spanish fruits in each course, supplying details of ingredients, method and a photograph of each course. At least one fruit must be used in each course from any one of the following pairs: Strawberries and raspberries; Picota cherries and plums; and persimon and cherimoya.

Eight contestants will contest the final 'cook-off' in London during November. The competition winner will be rewarded with a working break in Spain at El Bulli, the restaurant voted the best in the world for the last three years by Restaurant Magazine.

Entry packs have been sent to 1,250 contacts in the UK's leading catering colleges, with a closing date of 10 October.

Foods from Spain's role is to promote exports of Spanish food productsto the UK marketplace, introducing new products and developing themarket for more established ones.