Constadina Voulgari wins the Mediterranean Countries S.Pellegrino Young Chef Local Competition 2017
A Greek chef will represent the Mediterranean Countries at the Grand Finale in Milan next year.
Constadina Voulgari has been crowned winner in the Mediterranean local final of S.Pellegrino Young Chef 2018 with her sous vide signature partridge dish.
The announcement came following a day of outstanding performances from ten young chefs from across the Mediterranean during the live local competition held at Poli House Hotel in Tel Aviv, Israel on 10 July.
A distinguished panel of chef judges, including Ismet Saz, Haim Cohen, Nikos Roussos were all present for the exciting occasion, both tasting and evaluating each of the ten semi-finalist’s signature dishes against the five “Golden Rules”:
- ingredients
- skill
- genius
- beauty and
- message.
However, it was Voulgari’s dish entitled 'Ellinon Gefsis' consisting of partridge cooked in sous vide at 54.5 degrees in wine lees Vionger with mousseline pastinacas, wild root and salad with vineyard products which finally convinced the trio, securing Voulgari’s gold.
According to chef judge Nikos Roussos, and young chef mentor hence forth: "Constadina made a dish with her heart, and you could taste the difference. Her preparations proved her high culinary skills, and she used interesting techniques, as well as unique products."
Speaking of her win Voulgari commented: “Taking part in the competition was a gift I gave myself for turning 30 years old. For me it is a dream coming true, and I'm so happy to take part in this competition.“
Next Step – The Grand Finale
The finalist from restaurant Pelagos Sea Side in Ierapetra, Crete, Greece went on to say: “My goal is to seek new experiences following the steps of unknown paths in gastronomy, with the certainty that my secret of success will be the constant pursuit of learning, evolution, effort and of raw materials and making my country’s gastronomical identity known". And where better to start than under the global spotlight of S.Pellegrino Young Chef 2018.
Constadina Voulgari has from now until June 2018 to perfect her dish under the guidance of the Athens based Michelin starred Greek chef Nikos Roussos. He will also accompany her to the Grand Finale in Milan where he will support and encourage from the sidelines as she takes part in the ultimate challenge: a face off between 20 other talented finalists from around the world.
