VALRHONA C3 COMPETITION

The second international final of the C3 competition will be taking place on Thursday, January 28, 2010 in Madrid (Spain), during the renowned Madrid Fusion International Gastronomy Summit.
The 8 finalists were chosen from contestants throughout the world during the first half of 2009:

Representing France:                    
Miss Marike Van Beurden, Restaurant Pic, Valence - France

Representing Spain:                       
Miss Silvia Ginard Moll, Restaurante Es Baluard,Palma de Mallorca - Spain

Representing  Italy:                        
Mr Fabrizio Crocetta, Ristorante Uliassi,Senigallia - Italy

Grand International Representatives:     
Miss Janice Wong, 2am Dessert Bar,Singapore       

Mr Yannis Janssens, Viceroy Miami at Icon Brickell Miami - United States

Representing Northern Europe and the Middle East:
Miss Kanako Sakakura, Restaurant Bagatelle, Oslo - Norway

Mr Yannick Ferraton, Hotel Sacher,Vienna - Austria

Mr Adam Thomas, The Ritz-Carlton Powerscourt, Enniskerry - Ireland

For this year's contest, the chefs must use Valrhona's latest addition to its range of dark chocolates, MACAÉ 62% Pur Brésil, to prepare a plated dessert inspired by the theme "Gastronomy and Culture". They will only have a few hours to prepare their dish. The panel of professionals from the world of food will judge the dish on taste, originality and presentation and will also award marks for the way in which the candidates organise their work. As with the first C3 competition, a panel of representatives from the press will also be awarding a special prize.

This international catering dessert contest, or C3 competition (Consécration Cercle des Chefs - Chefs' Circle Award), gives catering pastry-chefs their own show, paying homage to their skills in the same way as the World Pastry Cup honours professionals who practise the art of pastry-making. A Valrhona initiative, the C3 competition is reserved for members of the Chefs' Circle, a community of pastry-chefs represented in more than 30 countries. With 51% of its business being international, Valrhona has adapted to the requirements of a worldwide clientele, developing products and activities that fulfil the needs, and are in keeping with the customs, of many different countries.