ACADEMY OF CULINARY ARTS SEEKS THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY’S TOP TALENT

ACADEMY OF CULINARY ARTS SEEKS THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY’S TOP TALENT

February 2013 sees the launch of the seventh Master of Culinary Arts (MCA) – the UK hospitality industry’s most prestigious award for head chefs, pastry chefs and restaurant managers.  A host of figureheads and luminaries from within the industry, including Michel Roux OBE MOF, Albert Roux OBE, Brian Turner CBE, Benoit Blin MCA, Silvano Giraldin, John Williams MBE, Claire Clark MCA and Yolande Stanley MCA have come together to begin the process of finding the UK’s leading talent.

In 1987 the Academy of Culinary Arts was the first professional culinary body to launch an industry award of such significant merit.  Many have since laid claim but none has reached the level or extent of the MCA.  It is widely considered to be the most notable distinction in the industry for a top chef, pastry chef or restaurant manager.

WHAT IS THE MCA?

Originally based on the French MOF (Meilleur Ouvrier de France) which is awarded for excellence in craftsmanship in nearly 100 different disciplines, the Academy of Culinary Arts’ MCA aims to set a standard of quality and skill acknowledged both internationally and at home.  Under immense pressure, candidates are tested on a vast range of skills whilst completing tasks set by the industry’s top professionals.

KEY ASPECTS OF THE MCA

• The MCA is held in three disciplines: CHEF; PASTRY CHEF; and RESTAURANT MANAGEMENT AND SERVICE.
• The MCA represents the very best in craftsmanship in cooking, pastry and service.
• The MCA is a mark of achievement, not just a competition.  The judges may select all or none of the candidates depending on their ability to reach the high standard required to achieve the award.
• The MCA is a lifetime award.
• It is a priority in the Academy’s continuing efforts to encourage and inspire up and coming talent, thus raising industry standards.
• Since the MCA was launched in 1987, only 32 candidates have been awarded the honour highlighting the elite nature of the award.

HOW TO ENTER

Candidates should have at least 10 years full-time experience in their specific trade (not necessarily consecutively) and should currently be employed full-time within the UK.  Candidates must qualify through demanding entry requirements, quarter and semi-finals in order to compete at finals which will be held at Le Gavroche for Restaurant Management and Service, Westminster Kingsway College for Pastry Chefs and University College Birmingham for Chefs.  Those achieving the MCA will be announced at one of the industry’s most prestigious award ceremonies at Claridge’s on Thursday 31^st October 2013.  To enter contact Susannah Oates on 020 8673 6300 (closing date for applicants is Thursday 28^th March 2013).

SPONSORS

The MCA 2013 is supported by headline sponsors ACT Clean, Aubrey Allen, Berkmann Wines, L’Unico Cafe Musetti, Laurent Perrier, Ritter Courivaud and Speyside Glenlivet.