2013 Chef of the Year finalists announced

Senior finalists

• Xavier Francis from Oyster Box Hotel, Durban
  
• Jade van der Spuy from 1000 Hills Chefs School, Durban (former winner in the Junior category)
  
• David Thomas from Lyon Des Sables, Namibia
  
• Sven Adams from The Mount Nelson Hotel, Cape Town
  
• Melusi Twala from Johannesburg Culinary and Pastry School, Johannesburg
  
• Nick Newman from Fedics, Johannesburg

Junior Finalists

• Faraaz Vincento from Royal Mnandi Unilever, Durban
  
• Tayla Schou from Fusion World Café, Durban
  
• Brandon Spies from Thrupps, Johannesburg
  
• Kirsten Howell from Saxon Hotel, Johannesburg
  
• Katlego Mlambo from Rust en Vrede Restaurant, Stellenbosch
  
• Kristin Hellemann from Burrata - Old Biscuit Mill, Cape Town

Team of Four Finalists

• Fedics, Durban
  
• Residential Foundation: Mooihawens, Durban
  
• Simbithi Country Club, Durban
  
• Intercontinental OR Tambo, Johannesburg
  
• Compass - ABB Canteen, Johannesburg
  
• Radisson Blu Hotel, Johannesburg

Finalists in the two new categories, which made a debut at the 2012 Chef of the Year competition and proved a big hit - the Creative Canapés and Confectionary Showcase, were selected from national entries. The finalists in these categories are:

Creative Canapés Finalists

• Antony Madayi from Sun Terrace Rest, Sun City
  
• Baleseng Modungoa from the Venue of Melrose Arch, Johannesburg
  
• Merril King from Capitol Caterers, KZN
  
• Yatish Bipulprasad from Fedics Chatsmed, KZN
  
• Paul Beatham from The Red Herring Restaurant, Cape Town
  
• Celcile Collyer from The Mount Nelson, Cape Town

Confectionary Showcase Finalists

• Joanita Venter from Oyster Box Hotel, Durban
  
• Claire Blinkhorn-Street from Fairmont Zimbali, Durban
  
• Misha Engelbrecht from Tsogo Sun Riverside Sun Resort, Gauteng
  
• Cherry Pin from Sandton Sun, Johannesburg
  
• Nathan Jacobs from 12 Apostles Hotel and Spa, Cape Town
  
• Oscar Baard from 12 Apostles Hotel and Spa, Cape Town

The winners in each category stand a chance to win a share in the prize money of R110 000 at the September finals, with the Senior winner walking away with R15 000 and the Chef of the Year 2013 title, 2nd place will walk away with R10 000 and 3rd place will win R5 000. The Junior category finalists stand a chance to win R10 000 for 1st place, R6 000 for 2nd place and R4 000 for 3rd place. Team of Four finalists will walk away with R20 000 for the winners, R12 000 for 2nd place and R8 000 for the 3rd place runner-ups. The Creative Canapés and Confectionary Showcase winners will walk away with R7 000 for the winners, while second and third place runner-ups will walk away with R2 000 and R1 000 respectively.

In the national finals, some of South Africa's honoured chefs who are well recognised and have a wealth of culinary experience both nationally and internationally will judge each dish on its preparation, presentation, taste and innovative use of the brand's ingredients.

Each category of the competition will take the form of a mystery basket competition, in which contestants will be required to showcase their skill and creativity. The entrants will have half an hour to design their menu, and then three hours to prepare a starter, main course and dessert.

Unilever Food Solutions has been hosting the annual Chef of the Year since the early 1970s, a competition that is all about pushing the boundaries of creativity, imagination and skill.

"The main objective of this competition is to unite behind our talented South African chefs and to provide them with innovative and creative solutions and inspiration for use in their own kitchens every day," says Craig Elliott, executive head chef of Unilever Food Solutions South Africa.