Bord Bia's Best Dressed Irish Oyster Competition, a national chef competition which aims to showcase the quality credentials of seafood from Ireland whilst commending some of the industry’s best talent, is now open for entries.
Now in its third year, the Best Dressed Irish Oyster Competition, run by the Irish Food Board, is calling on chefs across the UK to submit a written recipe, which will be reviewed by a panel of industry experts.
A shortlist of finalists will then be chosen and invited to compete for the coveted title in the national final – this year being held at riverside restaurant, Wright Brothers at Battersea Power Station in London on the 14th October.
Last year’s final saw 12 leading seafood chefs from restaurants including The Oyster Shack, The Guinea Grill, The Dairy and Wright Brothers, battle it out to impress the judges with their exceptional culinary skills, with Conor Dalton of Five Fields taking home the title following an exhilarating cook-off.
To enter this year’s competition, chefs must submit a recipe for a plate of twelve Irish oysters. There are two categories – hot and cold - and entries can focus on one of the categories, or both. Shortlisted finalists will compete head to head in front of a carefully selected panel of judges.
The winner will receive the accolade of ‘Best Dressed Irish Oyster 2019’ and win a trip to Ireland to visit the country’s leading seafood producers, which supply high-end restaurants across the UK.
Conor Dalton, sous chef at Five Fields in London and winner of the 2018 competition, (pictured centre) said, “I have always loved working with Irish produce and so to win last year’s competition, experience the world-famous Irish hospitality on the trip to the Emerald Isle and meet the producers leading the way in quality, first-class Irish seafood was amazing.
'I’d urge all those thinking about entering the competition this year to go ahead and do it – and wishing everyone the best of luck!”
Donal Denvir, General Manager at Bord Bia Great Britain, said, “Since its launch, the Best Dressed Oyster Competition has been successful in not only highlighting the quality credentials of Irish seafood but also bringing together the best talent in the industry.
'As we reach our third year, the judges will be looking for some innovative entries along with some fantastic demonstration of passion and skill and I’m very much looking forward to watching this year’s competitors battle it out.”
