Calling all aspiring chefs

The Sunday Times Food Awards, which seek to recognise and honour both established and upcoming South African chefs, will culminate with an awards ceremony to take place on 5 July during this year's Sunday Times Food Show to be held between 3-6 July at the Sandton Convention Centre.

The underlying ethos of the awards is a focus on the innovative use of local as well as seasonal produce and ingredients, creative and technical expertise as well as a commitment to nurturing a climate of dedication to excellence.

Contestants will have to show off their skill, flair and creativity by preparing a six-course menu for six people, including paired wines and non-alcoholic beverages to complement their creations. In addition to the sought-after title, the winner will also receive R30,000. Second and third place runners-up will also win prizes. In 2007, this prestigious award went to Peter Tempelhoff, Executive Chef of Grande Provence in Franschhoek.

Budding chefs with the necessary skills can enter the Sunday Times Young Chef of the Year Competition. The young competitors' talent and ingenuity will be put to the test as they prepare a starter and main course from a mystery basket at the Food Show. The winner will receive R15,000 plus a full bursary worth R110,000 from the prestigious Prue Leith Chef's Academy.

A new addition to this year's awards is the Sunday Times Chef School Challenge, which has been designed to highlight the work, talent, and skills of students from South Africa's recognised culinary schools and academies. The Challenge requires teams of two to prepare a starter, salad, main, and dessert courses that incorporate and make best use of locally available seasonal ingredients. The winning team will earn R5,000 for their schools and R2,500 each.

For more information and entry forms, go to http://www.sundaytimesfoodshow.co.za or email .