Initial Application Questions

• Q. What is the age limit?
  A. Applicants must be at least 16 years old at the time of the live final but there is no upper limit.
  
• Q. I applied last year but did not get to the live finals. Can I reapply?
  A. Yes. We welcome any applications from previous entrants.
• Q. I reached the live finals last year. Can I reapply?
  A. Yes, this is also permitted.
  
  

• Q. How many people am I cooking for and what courses do I have to make?
  A. 3 courses - a starter, main and dessert are required for four people. One plate is to be used for food photography, two are for the judges to taste test and the final will be reserved for yourself for lunch after the contest. You are free to choose which plate goes to who, but all four covers must be identically plated up to the same style and standard.
  
• Q. What style of food do you want?
  A. It's your choice, but impress us! Remember though to include good nutritional balance and good flavours not just amazingly presented food. You can see photos of last years contest on the menu to the right for an ideal of what we are looking for.
  
• Q. How much can I spend on ingredients?
  A. There is no price limit to ingredient costs if you are bringing your own items. If we are supplying ingredients we would only ask that they are reasonably priced as we are a charity.
  
• Q. Can I bring my own ingredients?
  A. Yes you can, but please check everything is vegetarian with us first prior to arrival. Ingredients not suitable for vegetarians are not permissible and may lead to disqualification.
  
• Q. Can I use premade ingredients such as ready rolled pastry?
  A. You are free to use any premade ingredients although bear in mind the judges will be looking for the best all-round chef. This means you could be marked down if they deem an ingredient is being used to carry a skill lacking in your general cooking ability. General premade items such as jams, mustards, sundried tomato pastes, etc can be used without penalty though.
  
  

• Q. Will there be an audience watching the live finals?
  A. No. The only people at the event will be the four shortlisted chefs, the judges and a Vegetarian Society photographer, plus any Cordon Vert catering staff required. There will be no audience members permitted to watch on the day.
  
• Q. What are the timings for the actual competition day?
  A. Arrival is from 9am with coffee, registration then checking of equipment and ingredients. Cooking commences at 10.00am with your starter being produced for a 1pm serving, main course for 1.30pm and dessert for 2.00pm.
  
• Q. How long do I have to prepare the 3 dishes?
  A. 3 hours to first course making 4 hours in total to the dessert (see above for timings). Should you fall behind timewise the other competitors will stick to the original scheduled times but you will be allowed to send your food to the judges late.
  
• Q. What cooking facilities will I have?
  A. You will have your own separate kitchen area with oven, grill, 6 range top, fridge, deep sink, handwash basin and plenty of work space. Access to a communal chest freezer is also available.
  
• Q. Can I prepare food the night before i.e. homemade ice cream, bread, etc?
  A. No sorry. The meal must be prepared on the day, no pre-prep is allowed as part of the contest is the chefs showcasing their cookery abilities to the judges.
  
• Q. Can I use my own equipment?
  A. Most chefs entering competitions like to use their own equipment which they are familiar with and bring everything with them. So yes bring any equipment you want although if you are bringing bulky electrical items please check first that we have enough space to accommodate you. 
  
• Q. What equipment do you have in the kitchens?
  A. All the usual electrical equipment used in catering is available, but please check with us that we have what you want in advance. Unfortunately, we cannot buy or rent in any equipment for you that we don't already have in stock.
  
• Q. What time does the day finish?
  A. Around 4pm - after the judging and photography session.
  
• Q. Will the winner be told on the day?
  A. Yes, although we will ask all participants of the live final not to publicise the winners name until the official announcement during National Vegetarian Week.