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Hampshire Chef Wins Industry 'Oscar'

An outstanding chef from Vatika Restaurant in Hampshire has officially made it into the industry hall of fame after winning a Craft Guild of Chefs Award, the coveted ‘Chef’s Oscar’.

Jitin Joshi, Executive Chef at Vatika Restaurant in Wickham Vineyard, Botley, won Best Ethnic Chef of the Year at last week’s glittering awards ceremony at the Lancaster London Hotel (Thurs 24).

Up against Collin Brown from Chef Colin Brown Restaurant and Shamim Syed from Durbar Tandoori Restaurant, Jitin Joshi triumphed after impressing an expert judging panel made up of revered culinary masters.

Speaking at the ceremony, he said: “It is an incredible honour for me to win this award, and a testament to the superb Hampshire producers around me,” said Jitin, who was nominated by Cyrus Todiwala MBE, of Cafe Spice Namaste.”

Chef Patron of Vatika and Benares restaurants Atul Kochhar said, “Jitin represents the spirit of Indian cuisine moving forward, I am extremely proud of him as a chef and of his achievements. I cannot think of anyone better that represents the strength of young Asian chefs today.”.

The 35 year old of Nainital, Northern India was one of 13 chefs from across the catering industry, plus a special lifetime achiever award for Pierre Koffmann, who walked away with a coveted gong at last night’s high profile ceremony at the Lancaster London Hotel.

The eclectic mix of awards up for grabs from the UK's leading chef’s association ranged from Contract Catering Chef to Ethnic Chef and New Restaurant of the Year.

“We had such a diverse mix of chefs to choose from this year, nominated by their peers or mentors, and each and every winner thoroughly deserves the kudos and prestige that comes with a Craft Guild of Chefs award, know in the industry as a ‘Chef’s Oscar’,” said Andrew. “In football terms, they are officially elevated into the premier league.”

Now in their 17th year, the Craft Guild of Chefs Awards aim to reward leading chefs from across the industry, whether they work in a village pub, fine dining restaurant, city university or in contract catering. They might develop products for national retailers or serve British soldiers.

This year’s Special Achievement Award, reserved for one exceptional personality who has made an outstanding contribution to the industry as a whole, went to Pierre Koffmann, one of less than a handful of chefs in the UK to have been awarded the ultimate three Michelin stars for his famed restaurant, La Tante Claire.

Last night’s awards ceremony was attended by more than 600 culinary professionals and Master of the Royal Household and president of the Craft Guild, Air Vice Marshal David Walker OBE.

For more on the Craft Guild of Chefs, call 020 8948 3870 or visit www.craftguildofchefs.org