The World Young Chef Young Waiter and World Young Mixologist 2023 finals were held at the iconic Lycée Rainier lll in Monaco. The winners of the competition were announced at the Salle Empire of Hotel de Paris in Monaco, during a special awards dinner on the 24th November 2023. Each of the three winners received a share of the $15,000 grand prize.
We are delighted to announce that the winners of the World Young Chef Young Waiter and Young Mixologist competition are:
Team Singapore
The winning Chef is Ian Tan from Bottega Di Carne Singapore (first picture)
The winning Waiter is Belle Torres from Restaurant Zen Singapore (middle picture)
The winning Mixologist is Zana Mohlmann from Manhattan Singapore (last picture)
Ian Tan from Bottega Di Carne Singapore said: “This experience gave me the platform to be able to put Southeast Asian cuisine on the map. Not only did it get me to the world stage, but I also won it. I’d like to share with the rest of the world, that no matter where you come from, all of the food you love, be it from the street or at home all have a place in this world. I’d like to encourage everyone to be proud of their ethnicity, their culture, their food and most importantly their friends and family, may all ALWAYS dine with an open heart and an empty stomach.”
Belle Torres from Restaurant Zen Singapore said: “The WorldYCYW finals 2023 didn’t come easy for me before flying to Monaco. My visa got rejected on the first try and the second try. It was a nerve-racking waiting game, and I was losing hope to represent Singapore in the World Finals. Few days before flying to Monaco, the consulate contacted me about my visa, and voila! Visa Approved!! Fast forward to the Airport scene, there was another hiccup! Our flight was getting transferred to different airlines and so on. It was once in a lifetime experience! Lots of fun experience and learning throughout the competition, meeting unfamiliar faces but little did we know we are all connected with mutual connections. I still feel ecstatic whenever I look back on what happened. It was such an honour and humbling opportunity to bring back the trophy home as World YCYW Champion Waiter 2023, I hope we can inspire more young people to ignite their passion for hospitality.
“GO BIG or GO HOME!”
Zana Mohlmann from Manhattan Singapore said: “WYM gave me new friends around the world and in Singapore! This competition is going to be one of the best platforms for young professionals to expand their careers globally.”
The world champions were chosen from nine chefs, nine waiters and four mixologists from England, Wales, Singapore, Ireland, the Cayman Islands, Hong Kong, Monaco, USA and Scotland. Finalists were judged by a panel of esteemed culinary experts, food critics, and industry leaders. Among the esteemed chef judges were Adam Handling, Mario Perera, Michael Kwan, Emanuele Del Signore, Paul Walsh, and Adam Thomason. The waiter judges included Simon King, Andy Downton, George Heresy, and Daniele Giovinazzo. Meanwhile, the mixologist judges were Anna Sebastian, Yann Bouvignies, Paul Robinson, and Jerome Schrotz.
Second place: Team USA
Chef Marcus Youn from Knife Pleat (pictured left)
Waiter Regina Gutierrez from The French Laundry (pictured right)
Third place: Team England and Team Wales
Chef Benjamin Mabley from Hartwell House Hotel & Spa England (pictured left)
Waiter Jade Walker from the Frog England (pictured right)
Chef Sam Everton from Coleg Ceredigion Wales (pictured left)
Waiter Carys Webster from Grove of Narbeth (pictured right)
Congratulations to all the contestants who competed in the 2023 WorldYYY finals. Their achievements not only brought glory to their respective countries but also provided a unique opportunity to connect with and learn from talented individuals in the hospitality industry.
Throughout the competition, chefs faced three challenging tasks. Task 1 required them to craft a Tarte Tatin and custard dish. Task 2 involved creating a three-course menu and preparing six plates for judges and VIP lunch guests. Waiters navigated five tasks, including section set-up, interviews and scenarios, wine pairing, a quiz, and a champagne pour. Mixologists, on the other hand, undertook three tasks: creating a cocktail from ingredients sourced from Monaco’s local market, presenting their signature serve infused with NEFT Vodka, and crafting a classic cocktail.
One of the highlights of the World Finals was the Educational Day, which was designed to enrich the knowledge and skills of young talents. This day included an exclusive tour of some of Monaco’s iconic locations, including the SBM Tour and a visit to the L’Organgerie Distillery.
Thank you to the generous support of our esteemed sponsors and partners, including Twiga Group, NEFT Vodka, Lycée Rainer ll, Great Campaign, Crazy Pizza, Champagne PIAFF, Culinary Institute of America, Pure Iconic Water, Monte Carlo Societe Ses Bains de Mer and Hotel de Paris Monte Carlo.
Quotations:
Robert Walton MBE, Chairman of WorldYYY said: “I am so proud to crown the World Champion Chef, Waiter, and Mixologists from Singapore. I am so proud of how the competition continues to highlight the young, up-and-coming talent in our exciting industry. The aim of World YCYW is simple: to uncover the very best young talent in our industry. Our 2023 entrants have had the opportunity to meet high profile industry professionals, learn new skills and make new friends. Thank you to everyone who was involved and who has supported this competition. Thank you, Monaco, for being such a great host.”
Sean Valentine FIH, Managing Director of WorldYYY said: I am so thrilled to be heading up this amazing competition for the past 6 years. The second year of our world final even surpassed my expectations – just brilliant. Congratulations to Singapore who were worthy winners and thank you to all our sponsors and the Principality of Monaco as our hosts.
Kate Nicholls, CEO of UKHospitality said: The World Young Chef Young Waiter finals this year were mind-blowing in terms of the young talent on display – dynamism, innovation, attention to detail but most importantly passion to learn and improve. The competition is unique in requiring the kitchen and front of house to compete together as a team – and the competitors showed the teamwork, the camaraderie and friendship that is at the heart of delivering great hospitality experiences. Based on this week’s competition, the future is in safe and talented hands
Paul Robinson, Chief Creative Officer of NEFT Vodka said: The World young chef young waiter Young Mixologist this year exceeded all of my expectations. The culinary and cocktail creations have reached new heights, as have the events that surround them. From the welcome dinner at Twiga to the awards dinner at the stunning hotel de Paris, the level of excellence brought by the finalists, continues to make this competition a truly global platform for young creatives to excel.
Singapore YCYW and YM organiser said: “The result confirms what we always knew – that Singapore is an absolute foodie heaven. The support we received from our sponsors like Accor Group, Nordaq Water, Tadcaster Hospitality, Gourmet Partners/President, and Indigo Wines has been amazing and then the judges who selflessly gave their time and wisdom has been instrumental in achieving this outstanding outcome. This competition goes from strength to strength and provides terrific inspiration to all youth who aspire to work in F&B. We see the confidence it brings to all our young participants, not just the winners. It reflects that industry leaders are all-in to help and support young talent. Knowing this provides a guiding light to young professionals as they strive to make a productive career in an industry that of course can be tough but at the same time is truly both rewarding and an absolute necessity to the fabric of all communities.” ‘
About YM
The Young Mixologist competition elevated by NEFT Vodka further promotes hospitality as a career of choice, a profession, and a vocation. The Young Mixologist competition aims to acknowledge young and outstanding talents behind the bar in the hospitality industry. In today’s restaurant scene, mixologists have become the new rockstars. Crafting fabulous cocktails, making exquisite food, and providing excellent service are the keys to success. The Young Mixologist competition designed for individuals aged 28 and younger, aims to recognise the talent and expertise required to craft exceptional cocktails.
The Young Mixologist competition started in 2022 in Monaco and now in 2023 has taken place in 4 countries around the world. In 2024, the YM competition is expanding to more countries around the world giving more opportunities to the many outstanding talents in the hospitality industry. Celebrating the extraordinary young talent who push the boundaries of mixology and elevate cocktail-making to new heights.
About WYCYW
Since its establishment in 1979, the Young Chef Young Waiter competition has continued to promote hospitality as a career of choice, a profession, and a vocation. Today, with its new revitalised format Young Chef Young Waiter continues to honour the next culinary and service stars globally. World Young Chef Young Waiter, in partnership with Great Campaign UK and Northern Ireland and Culinary Institute of America, mission to discover the best young talents in the industry. The competition is open to Young Chefs and waiters under the age of 28 from diverse backgrounds and WYCYW ensures these young talents are equipped with relevant skills, current knowledge, and a network to help them succeed in the world of hospitality.
In 2022, the competition marked a significant milestone by expanding its reach to a global audience, with participants from seven countries striving for the title of World Young Chef Young Waiter Champion. Building on this success, the competition returned in 2023, reaffirming its commitment to supporting the global hospitality industry and providing an expansive stage for the cultivation of creativity, education, and innovation that knows no geographical bounds, the event promises to surpass all previous iterations in size, quality, and sustainability.
Notes to editors:
The World Young Chef Young Waiter competition, established in 1979 in partnership with UKHospitality and the Restaurant Association. The competition promotes hospitality as a career of choice, a profession, and an avocation. The competition is open to all young chefs and waiters from any background under the age of 28.
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Editors’ Note:
The GREAT Britain & Northern Ireland campaign is a programme to drive economic growth across the nation by encouraging an international audience to visit, study and do business with the UK. It was set up in 2011 and promotes the best of the UK in 164 countries around the world, consistently generating a strong return on investment averaging 15.1. @greatbritain (Twitter) @greatcampaign (Instagram)
15th December 2023
