Thistle Newcastle sous chef Matei Baran named as finalist for the 2013 North East Culinary Trade Association (NECTA) Chef of the Year awards

Matei Baran, a sous chef at the County Hotel by Thistle Newcastle, has been named as one of the finalists who will compete for the title of North East Chef of the Year at the two-day Salon Culinaire 2013 event for professional chefs and colleges taking place at the Newcastle Civic Centre in May. Originally from Romania, Matei joined the County Hotel by Thistle Newcastle in March as sous chef. Prior to that he was a sous chef at The Percy Arms and Otterburn Hall in Northumberland. He has competed in numerous culinary competitions and won a Gold Medal for ‘hot starter’ at last year’s North East Chef of the Year awards. At the competition, Matei will have just under three hours to cook a full meal of starter, main and dessert. A panel of judges will then select the winner based on cooking skills, taste and professionalism. “It’s a humbling experience to represent Thistle Newcastle at the 2013 North East Culinary Trade Association Chef of the Year competition,” commented Baran. “I want to thank each and every member of the kitchen staff for all their support and for welcoming me with open arms when I joined just six weeks ago. I look forward to competing and ‘going the distance’ by bringing home the winning dish.” The 2013 North East Culinary Trade Association (NECTA) Chef of the Year awards recognise outstanding chefs who work and cook in full-service dining facilities. NECTA is a partnership of the regions key players and leading culinary experts. Its aim is to provide excellence in food service and the culinary arts for the future success of the industry. For more information on the North East Culinary Trade Association (NECTA) Chef of the Year awards please visit www.necta-chef.co.uk.