Sheffield chef’s oxtail lasagne picks up Marco Pierre White gong

A CHEF de partie for Marco’s New York Italian Sheffield has won the inaugural Marco Pierre White chef awards with her winning dish of oxtail lasagne.

Vicky Wainwright competed against three other finalists in a highly contested final held at Mr White’s English Chophouse in Birmingham.

The competition was set-up by Mr Pierre White to challenge his junior chefs and create a platform for them to step-up and raise their profile across his establishments.

The four finalists had one hour 30 minutes to cook a dish inspired by Marco’s cooking style and in keeping with what is served across his restaurants today, with the three star Michelin chef leading the judging panel alongside his chef director, Andrew Bennett.

Marco Pierre WhiteThe winning dish was oxtail lasagne with smoked garlic mash and baked vegetables.

Mr Pierre-White said: “When I judge I look at technical ability but I also look at which dish I prefer to eat. I love oxtail and this dish is fitting to the ethos of the food we serve across our restaurants. It’s simple, it’s not trying to be too clever, you know exactly what you’re going to get and it tastes delicious.”

Ms Wainwright, who spent 13 years as a school cook, said: “It was a dream come true to cook for Marco. He has been an inspiration for my home cooking for years and then I got the chance to work for him, which has massively enhanced my development.  

“I’m really excited to have my dish feature as a special in Marco’s restaurants.”

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