A YOUNG chef revealed the secret of his success after being named Sussex Young Chef of the Year at a glittering awards ceremony.
Michael Sutherland, who works at The Star Inn, Alfriston, was one of the top winners at the Sussex Food and Drink Awards after impressing judges including Great British Menu finalist Matt Gillan.
Michael was a runner-up last year but went one better this time with his imaginative menu, which included mackerel, loin of venison and poached peaches.
He told the packed audience at the American Express Community Stadium: “I put it down to passion, passion for what I do, That’s what makes it so good.”
The annual awards highlight the county’s top food and drink producers.
They are run by the Natural Partnerships Community Interest Company, co-directed by Hilary Knight of the Sussex Food and Drink Network and Paula Seager, managing director of Natural PR Ltd.
The independent chairman of judges is Sussex farmer and Nuffield scholar William Goodwin.
Celebrity Olympian Sally Gunnell, OBE DL, said: “This is my fifth year as patron for the awards which are all about supporting and boosting local farmers, food and drink producers and the outlets which use and sell superb local fare.
“Starting from small beginnings, the awards have grown to become prestigious and respected, attracting huge support from business in the county, bringing together the whole local food and farming community.
“It’s an outstanding achievement.”
Paula Seager said this year’s line up was impressive.
She said: “This event is all about celebrating our Sussex food and drink heroes and we know the future is bright for all of them.
“Several new sponsors and supporters have come on board this year alongside our loyal, longstanding partners and we want to thank them all for sharing a vital role in making these awards such a great success.”
Guests also had the opportunity to enter a prize draw with the chance of winning a Sussex VIP Foodie Tour, donated by several of the finalists and partners at the awards ceremony.
The winning package included complimentary meals at The Set, The Earl of March and The Fountain restaurants; a wine tasting tour of Ridgeview Wine Estate; and a Magnum of Nyetimber.
It also included a flight on British Airways i360 for two people with a glass of sparkling wine at the Nyetimber Sky Bar on board and a year’s supply of pies from The Real Pie Company.
Winners and Runners up for 2017
Sussex Food Producer of the Year, sponsored by The Southern Co-operative
Winner: The Real Pie Company, Crawley
Runners up: Noble and Stace Chocolatiers, Midhurst and Ouse Valley Foods, Piltdown
Sussex Drink Producer of the Year, sponsored by Rix & Kay Solicitors
Winner: Nyetimber, West Chiltington
Runners up: Ridgeview Wine Estate, Ditchling Common and Wobblegate, Bolney
Sussex Young Chef of the Year, sponsored by Sodexo Prestige
Winner: Michael Sutherland, The Star Inn, Alfriston
Runners up: Rachel Burroughs, Camelia Restaurant, South Lodge Hotel, Lower Beeding and Anna Shopland, The Fountain Inn, Plumpton Green
Sussex Farmer of the Year, sponsored by Natural PR in association with Farmers Weekly
Winner: Andrew and Joanne Knowles, Trenchmore Farm, Cowfold
Runners up: Jeremy Davis and Lynne Curtis, Lynne’s Organic Farm, Eridge, and Camilla and Roly Puzey, Saddlescombe Farm, Poynings
Sussex Butcher of the Year, co-sponsored by Plumpton College & RP Meats Wholesaler Ltd
Winner: A C Coughtrey Butchers, Pulborough
Runners up: Glyn Thomas & Son Ltd, Lindfield and Nick the Butcher, Hartfield
Sussex Farmers Market of the Year, sponsored by Harveys of Lewes
Winner: Shoreham Farmers Market
Runners up: Forest Row Village Market and Lewes Food Market, Market Tower (weekly)
Sussex Eating Experience of the Year, sponsored by SuperFast Thermapen®
Winner: The Earl of March, Lavant
Runners up: The Crown, Hastings, and The Sussex Ox, Polegate
Sussex Food Shop of the Year, sponsored by Wealden District Council
Winner: Cowdray Farm Shop, Midhurst
Runners up: Eggs to Apples, Hurst Green and Tablehurst Farm Limited, Forest Row
Sussex Street Food Vendor of the Year, co-sponsored by Food Rocks and Horsham District Food and Drink Festival
Winner: Jah Jyot, Southwater
Runners up: Garlic Wood Farm, Steyning and Pig and Jacket, Lewes
Sussex Newcomer of the Year, co-sponsored by Kreston Reeves incorporating Spofforths and Sussex Food and Drink Network
Winner: The Bluebird Tea Co Shop, Brighton
Runners up: The Artisan Bakehouse, Ashurst and The Set Restaurant, Brighton
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here