Derek Does The Business At Chef's Oscars
A DUBLIN-based chef who created a ‘swap shop’ support network for caterers has won the AAK Foodservice-sponsored Contract Catering Chef title at the Craft Guild of Chefs Awards.
Derek Reilly, executive chef at Sodexo, was presented with his prestigious ‘chef’s Oscar’ at a glittering ceremony at the Lancaster London Hotel on June 24th.
Since taking the helm at Sodexo’s Hibernian Aviva contract in Dublin two years ago, Derek Reilly has made a significant positive difference to the business, increasing gross profit from 45 percent to just under 60 percent.
He has also improved the food offering, using local produce where possible and changing menus frequently, and he has developed a range of concepts to satisfy the client’s diners – from a quick service pasta bar and gourmet sandwich bar to offer healthy, tasty grab and go options to reduce queuing times to a high quality seasonal fine dining menu to suit the business and entertaining carried out on this site.
A keen competitor himself, representing Ireland at many culinary competitions, Reilly’s strong mentoring skills have also helped his brigade achieve a host of medals and awards. He has also encouraged workshops and field trips to further develop his team.
As chairman of the Irish Craft Forum, he is a member of the Sodexo National Craft Forum that enables him to have access to all development and support programmes.
Recognising the wealth of skill in Sodexo’s business, he set up the Sodexo ‘swap shop’, whereby businesses needing support in developing skills or an opportunity to see another operation could come on site and reap the benefits of such an experience.
Narrowly missing out on the title were runners up Mark Wetherill, a head chef also from Sodexo who has delivered consistent food excellence and high quality service at AstraZeneca in Macclesfield since the contract began in August 2008, and Gary McKechnie from Harbour & Jones, a ‘field to fork’ ambassador who was promoted to the position of director of food after just one year working for the business.
Contract Catering Chef was one of 13 gongs, plus a special achievement award, up for grabs from the leading chef’s association in the UK, with each finalist scrutinised by an 18 strong panel of expert judges after being nominated by their peers.
In addition to the 13 categories, there is also a 14th award reserved for one exceptional personality, who judges believe has made an outstanding contribution to the industry.
This year, more than 600 culinary professionals gathered at the awards to celebrate with their peers. Master of the Royal Household and president of the Craft Guild of Chefs, Air Vice Marshal David Walker OBE, attended this year’s ceremony.
AAK Foodservice provides quality ingredients for a host of professional cooking requirements. The range includes Prep high performance long life oils, Prep Premium infused and speciality oils, Lion condiments, dressings and sauces and Whirl, the number one alternative to butter in foodservice.
Talk to us...
AarhusKarlshamn UK Ltd
King George Dock, Hull, HU9 5PX, England
T: +44 (0)1482 701 271 | E: uk.info@aak.com
Registered in England with Company Number 1585686 and VAT Number GB 475 4800 31.
site by 