David Mulcahy & April Partridge on National Chef of the Year and competitions

Guests: David Mulcahy, Director UK National & Young National Chef of the Year

April Partridge, Head of Development at Opus Provisions, seasoned competition chef

Host: Phil Street

In this enlightening episode, Phil sits down with David Mulcahy, a veteran in culinary competition, and April Partridge, a “Battle hardened” competition chef, to dive deep into the world of culinary competitions, offering a unique perspective from both the judges' and competitors' side.

With their vast experience, they discuss the challenges, rewards, and personal growth that competitions bring, as well as their shared vision for a more connected and supportive industry.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• David’s two-decade journey in shaping the National Chef of the Year competition
• April’s transition from Michelin-starred kitchens to a new culinary path
• The unique experience of being part of culinary competitions, and how it helps chefs grow.
• The importance of camaraderie and resilience in the culinary world.
• The power of feedback and what makes a dish truly stand out in a competition.
• How competition can help you find your true cooking style and identity.

Listen now for:

• Why competing in culinary competitions is more about the journey than the win.
• How the pressures of competition shape your confidence and leadership in the kitchen.
• The real magic of culinary competitions, from the nerves to the triumphs.
• Personal anecdotes of competition victories, losses, and the valuable lessons learned.
• The surprising benefits of being part of an alumni program for past competitors

Memorable Quotes:

• “The biggest competition is yourself.” – David on the mindset of competition.
• “The real value is in the journey, the people you meet, and the lessons learned.” – April on why competition is not just about winning.
• “It’s not about impressing the judges; it’s about impressing yourself and staying true to your own style.” – David on the importance of authenticity.
• “Competitions help you understand who you are as a chef and where you want to go.” – April on personal growth through competition.

This episode is for:

• Aspiring chefs looking for personal and professional growth.
• Chefs considering entering competitions but unsure about the challenges.
• Culinary professionals looking for fresh perspectives on leadership and resilience.
• Anyone interested in learning how competition can help refine your cooking skills and career path.

Links & Resources:

• Phil Street (Host): LinkedIn & Instagram @hospitalitymeets
• David Mulcahy: LinkedIn & Instagram @davidmulcahy1
• April Partridge: Instagram @chef_april_lily
• National Chef of the Year: nationalchefoftheyear.co.uk
• Craft Guild of Chefs Website: https://craftguildofchefs.org/

Support Our Sponsors:

• Ramsden Recruitment – Specialists in hospitality careers: www.ramsdenrecruitment.co.uk

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