#005 - Winning National Chef of the Year 2024: Orry Shand's Superb Story

Guest

Orry Shand, Executive Chef at Ontier, National Chef of the Year 2024, and mentor to young chefs.

Episode Overview

In this inspiring episode of Chefs on the Pass, Phil dives deep into the culinary world with the distinguished Executive Chef Orry Shand, the 2024 National Chef of the Year. Discover the rich tapestry of Orry's journey, from his early culinary inspirations to the triumphant moment of winning the National Chef of the Year. Orry shares his wisdom on competition, the importance of organisation, and the camaraderie that thrives within the culinary community.

Key Topics Covered:

Orry Shand’s Journey to Culinary Excellence:

• Early influences in cooking, spurred by TV chef Gary Rhodes.
• Initial kitchen experiences at the age of 14.
• Rigorous culinary training and prestigious placements, including the Michelin-starred number one at the Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh.

The Road to Winning National Chef of the Year:

• Insights into competition strategy and Orry’s meticulous preparation for each round.
• Detailed breakdown of his award-winning dishes: from the elegant starter of Turbot with smoked scallop mousse to the decadent chocolate dessert with Asian flavours.
• The emotional rollercoaster of the final results and the elation of victory.
• Celebrating success with a magnum of champagne.

Camaraderie and Competition:

• The supportive and collaborative spirit among competitors.
• Mentorship and the invaluable learning experiences facilitated by these events.
• Recognising the high standards and global recognition of the UK's hospitality industry.

Professional Growth and Development:

• Orry's current role at Ontier and the diverse responsibilities it entails, from onshore production to private dining and small corporate events.
• The impactful apprenticeship program designed to nurture future culinary talents with hands-on training.
• The importance of detailed organisation and maintaining clean, well-prepared cooking environments.

Advice for Aspiring Chefs:

• Encouragement to participate in competitions for personal and professional growth.
• Emphasising self-belief, organisation, and the importance of learning from each experience.
• Orry's thoughts on innovation, practical menu design, and balancing creativity with service and cost efficiency.

Quotes Highlights:

• "Staying focused and single-minded on your goals, even when judged by renowned industry figures, is crucial in competitions."
• "The camaraderie among competitors is something special; we help each other rather than trying to undermine."

Interesting Fact: Orry started working in kitchens directly as a junior chef instead of the typical route through kitchen porter duties, which set the stage for his early and intense exposure to the culinary world.

Connect with Orry: Stay updated with Orry's culinary endeavours by following his professional journey in instagram - https://www.instagram.com/oshand/

About Chefs on the Pass: Hosted by Phil Streat, this podcast is the Official podcast of the Craft Guild of Chefs and brings forth enriching conversations with leaders and innovators in the hospitality industry.

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/craftguildofchefs/

Tune in to this episode to get inspired by Orry Shand’s dedication, skill, and passion for cooking.