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MILLER TIME
Some of the most gifted emerging UK chefs were celebrated at the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Regional Competition, with an Asian-inspired creation proving victorious. JOURNEY TO EXCELLENCE The S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Competition is a global initiative to discover and mentor the best talent aged 18-30 – and the UK regional final for 2024 has crowned its winner. Ben Miller took home the prize, following an outstanding competition with nine finalists at Le Cordon Bleu Cookery School in London on 25 September. The 29-year-old from Canada has been working in kitchens since he was 15, starting at a family run catering company in Calgary, Alberta. Miller’s love of food and creative expression has always been at the heart of his culinary journey, driving him to explore techniques and flavours. He credits his passion for combining artistic expression with culinary innovation in helping fuel his ambition, as he seeks out challenges to refine his skills and push the boundaries of his craft. 14 P&P_224_Nov24_P14-15_San_Pel_G AB.indd 14
He also received further recognition with the Acqua Panna Connection in Gastronomy Award, which celebrates the dish that best represents the culinary heritage of its native region and was voted for by the nine participating mentors. A gala ceremony at the NoMad Hotel in London celebrated the event. Miller is a sous chef at Alex Dilling at Hotel Café Royal – and will now represent the UK at the global Grand Finale, taking place in Milan next year, where 15 finalists will compete in front of seven internationally renowned chefs. EASTERN VIBES Miller won over the renowned jury – consisting of Santiago Lastra, Nokx Majozi, Lorna McNee and Adam Smith – with his ‘Ode to Sam Yee’, a signature dish he has been perfecting for years. The recipe featured ‘Crowned Roasted Duck Breast with Szechuan Jus and www.pizzapastamagazine.co.uk 25/10/2024 14:37