Chef Patron at restaurant The Frog E1, 28 year old Adam Handling has agreed to become Chef Patron for the Association of Catering Excellence (ACE). He joins patrons Chris Sheppardson (Chess Partnership), Marc Verstringhe (MESV Consultancy Int), Tim West (Elior), Wendy Bartlett (bartlett mitchell), Jane Sunley (Purple Cubed), Rosemary Osbourne MBE, Alastair Storey (BaxterStorey), Chris Bray (Sodexo Prestige).
Over the last 2 years, ACE has encouraged young people in the industry to get more involved in networking. As well as launching the ACE Robyn Awards in July, up and coming young team members have been invited to events such as the Wine Dinner (which normally attracts more senior people), and September’s Ready Steady Cook event had a special award for promising chefs under the age of 25. ACE has seen a significant increase in numbers attending the events, perhaps due to the interest from the next generation.
Having been on the judging panel for ACE’s annual Ready Steady Cook event for the first time, Adam was impressed and inspired by what he saw, especially the talent amongst the young chefs who took part. He observed:“The conditions are tense but there is evidence of good establishment training, with a high level of teaching and professionalism, and excellent communication. This is a great competition for chefs. It’s giving them an opportunity to be judged and rewarded on what is essentially their daily job”
ACE Chair, Paul Hurren said: “Adam is the ideal choice for a Chef Patron – with ACE’s focus firmly on the younger generation, he fits the bill perfectly and we are delighted that he has agreed to take on this position. We’re sure he’ll bring energy and enthusiasm to the role, and he already has some exciting ideas to contribute.”
Next year, the winning under 25 chef could have a week placement in his kitchen at The Frog, or indeed one of his next exciting ventures.
There is also a plan for Adam to be involved in a Next Generation Masterclass in the New Year.
Says Adam Handling:“I’m thrilled to be Chef Patron for ACE. Their commitment to supporting young people in the catering industry very much aligns with my own principles – when I opened my first independent restaurant, The Frog E1, one of the visions behind it was to nurture young and creative talent in our industry. I’ve done it myself and know first-hand how tough it can be, so to be able to support younger talent alongside ACE is fantastic. I’m excited for what we have lined up.”
(Photo by Tim Green)
