The Journey to the 2023 Jeunes Talents Escoffier Asia Competition Begins...

The much awaited annual culinary competition showcasing promising young talents from around the world continues a long tradition of culinary excellence by Disciples of Escoffier with the 2023 Jeunes Talents Escoffier Asia Competition set for April. As part of the Philippine delegation's preparations, key officers of Disciples of Escoffier Philippines along with Chef Works Philippines and the Croissant Lady PH paces this year's young and talented contingent of Lance Ang-Santo and Nicole Chua for the Asian qualifying leg of culinary competitions to advance to the global finals. Here's a peek at the spirit of Escoffier in action...

For Lance Ang-Santo of Enderun Colleges, his journey began last year topping the 2022 Young Talents Escoffier Culinary Competition earning the right to represent the Philippine delegation of Escoffier (for more on last year's competition, see my post The Torch is Passed To The Next Generation of Young Chefs at the 2022 Escoffier Young Talents Competition held at Sawsaw by Sau).

Besting five other talented young chefs, Lance Ang-Santo's winning dish of Cold Lobster Salad, Citrus Concentrate, Mango and Pickled Vegetables was unanimously picked by a distinguished and stellar panel of judges that included chefs Philip John Golding, Sau del Rosario, Cyrille Soenen, Josh Boutwood, Rob Pengson, Victor Barangan and Bong Sagmit.

Disciples of Escoffier Philippine Delegation founding chairman Philip John Golding led the mentoring process at the showroom and kitchen of Chef Works Philippines and the Croissant Lady (for more on Croissant Lady, see my recent post Baking a Feast with The Croissant Tasting Menu by The Croissant Lady) for both Lance Ang-Santo for the culinary competition and the Young Service candidate, Nicole Chua. 

Mentorship and the transfer of knowledge are at the core of the spirit of Escoffier, bridging the past and the future with the culinary standards set and inspired by August Escoffier. That day at the showroom and kitchen of Chef Works Philippines and Croissant Lady, the young chefs prepared their dishes using the recipes of August Escoffier under the watchful eyes and supervision of Chef Philip John Golding. 

As Lance Ang-Santo prepared his seafood and quail dishes from the recipes of Auguste Escoffier...

...a pair of beautifully roasted chickens fresh off the oven were then prepped for the Service competitions...  

...with Chef Philip John Golding providing pointers on the proper carving of the whole roast chicken to Nicole Chua, the young Service Candidate to the 2023 Jeunes Talents Escoffier Asia Competition. 

After a quick demo by Chef Philip John Golding, it was Nicole Chua's turn. In a series of deliberate and precise movements... 

...from draining the whole chicken...

...and carving, Nicole Chua starts at the center followed by carefully carving the major joints for that clean slice.

Chef Philip John Golding observes each careful slice... 

...adding pointers gained from his wealth of experiences in the culinary industry...

...all the way to the plating with four equal portions of white and dark meat and the prized "oyster" of the roast. The Service Category of the competitions present yet another important element in Auguste Escoffier's culinary philosophy for a total and memorable dining experience. In a smooth and elegantly fluid series of precise movements, culinary perfection as envisioned by Auguste Escoffier shines with the Service Category competition. It's this kind of committed mentorship that reflects the culinary esprit de corps encouraged by Disciples of Escoffier worldwide, bridging the past and future with a long tradition of excellence.

Seeing the next generation of talents, the future of the culinary scene in one place is an experience in itself. And the future looks promising. 

Meanwhile, Lance Ang-Santo begins plating his intricate dishes inspired by the recipes of Auguste Escoffier...

...adding the final touches before serving. Creativity and flawless execution are just some of the standards judges look for in the annual Jeunes Talents Escoffier Asia Competition, and Lance Ang-Santo has a chance at taking on a much bigger and global stage.

With inputs from officers of the Disciples of Escoffier Philippine Delegation led by Chef Philip John Golding and Eiffelene Salvador Howard, Lance Ang-Santo is ready for the 2023 Jeunes Talents Escoffier Asia Competition...

Here's wishing the Philippine delegation all the best in the prestigious competitions!