Foods from Spain has announced the finalists in its Spanish Young Chef of the Year competition.

Eight finalists, including students and those already working in the food industry, have now been chosen to go through to the final cook off round. The winner will take up a sought-after working placement in the kitchens of Akelarre - one of Spain’s best Michelin-starred restaurants.

The young hopefuls are: Joshua Stringer of College of West Anglia, Michelle Kleingeld of Salt Yard Restaurant, Peio J. Calvo Dominguez of Iberico Restaurant, William Chilila of Westminster Kingsway College, Mandie Kruger of Salt Yard Restaurant, Arran Pratt of Accrington and Rossendale College, Luke Mayo of Westminster Kingsway College and Adam Thompson of Tyne Metropolitan College.

Last year’s winner, trainee chef Selin Kiazim, took up a placement at El Bulli earlier this month. And 2009 winner 21-year old David Alun Powell of Westminster College, London, took has gained experience in four separate Michelin-starred restaurants - including three-starred El Bulli - since his win.

The competition has been designed by Foods from Spain to inspire talented trainee chefs aged 17 to 25, to explore and experiment with seasonal Spanish fresh produce and create some memorable dishes which reflect the food provenance of Spain. The competition is part of the campaign to promote Spanish produce in the UK throughout the year, including Picota cherries, Persimon, strawberries and raspberries.

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