Andy Taylor discusses the StrEATfood Awards, and why chefs should enter!
The 2020 StrEATfood Awards’ entry deadline is quickly approaching – want some inspiration to sign up? Have a read below of our interview with the 2019 winner of ‘Street Food Dish of the Year’, Restaurant Associates’ very own Andy Taylor!
“Entering the competition in 2019 was a first for me, and I saw it as an opportunity to prove myself against other chefs in the industry, as well as undertaking the challenge of competing. I felt immense amounts of support from my Restaurant Associates colleagues throughout the process; we had won the same award in 2018, so I was lucky enough to be able to speak to the previous winner and get first-hand experience of the final, which spurred me on more to enter. It was an incredible experience and being surrounded by close friends on the day helped me to remain calm; that support was a key contributor to what was a truly positive and memorable day.
Street food has allowed us to evolve alongside the workplace and the demand for speed of service and quality, tasty, authentic food which can be eaten on the go. The decision of what to cook was probably the hardest part, given that there’s a wide range of options and ingredients to work with. My signature dish, Cobra Beer Battered Chicken Chapati, Bombay Potato Fries with Tomato and Chilli Chutney, was made from ingredients which are readily available in workplace kitchens and work well as a to-go option. As well as the accessibility of the ingredients, it was also important to me that I create something which most people would love to eat, including me!
I wasn’t expecting to win; it was my first time competing so when my name was read out, I felt a mixture of emotions. I was shocked, ecstatic and immensely proud! It was honestly a great challenge and achievement. Street food has had a huge impact on the workplace and is continually evolving, so entering is a fantastic opportunity to prove yourself as being an adaptable, creative and forward-thinking! I would highly encourage all my colleagues and peers to apply – this year’s deadline is on the 31st January, so don’t wait for the opportunity to represent #teamCompass.”
Click here to enter this year’s awards:
