Local chefs’ World Cup gold

Two Welshpool chefs served up a gold for Wales at the Culinary World Cup in Luxembourg.

Nick Davies (right), chef director of Cambrian Training Company based at Welshpool and Gennaro Adaggio, head chef at La Dolce Vita, Shrewsbury and who lives in Welshpool, were a part of the 15-man team that won gold in the hot kitchen, cooking a three course meal for 110 diners, before picking up silver on the cold buffet.

“It was one of the team’s best ever performances and we have really arrived on the world scene,” said Davies, 41. “The team bonded really well and has learned from previous competitions. We have to remember that this was the Culinary World Cup, the second largest culinary competition and we won gold and silver medals, which is a massive achievement for a small country like Wales.

“I am very proud of the team’s achievement against other national teams with far greater resources.”

Gennaro, 27, was delighted to be part of the successful team. “It was an excellent experience and the gold and silver medals made all the team’s hard work worthwhile,” he said. “It was great to spend time with so many talented chefs.”

The competition is the industry’s equivalent to the football World Cup and attracted teams from 24 countries.

The Welsh chefs will be repeating their gold award winning menu on January 25 at the Hospitality Show at the NEC Birmingham, where they will be competing against teams from England and Scotland.

The Welsh National Culinary Team is sponsored by the Welsh Assembly Government, C&C Catering Equipment Ltd, Brakes, Unilever Foodsolutions UK, Hybu Cig Cymru/ Meat Promotion Wales, Gourmet Classic Ltd, Villeroy and Boch, Friedr. Dick, Germany, Metcalfe Catering, All Clad, S. A. Brain and Co and Callebaut.