THE North East’s most celebrated chef has been nominated for one of the biggest honours in the culinary world.
James Close, chef/owner of the two Michelin star The Raby Hunt at Summerhouse near Darlington has been selected as a candidate in the Best Chef Awards, which are being held in September in Barcelona.
James is in the running to be included in the Chef TOP100, which celebrates the most skillful chefs worldwide.
And, if successful. he will follow in the footsteps of some of the biggest names in fine dining, such as Joan Roca of Spain’s El Cellar De Can Roca, who has headed up the prestigious list the past two years.
Other world renowned chefs who have featured on the list include Rene Redzepi of Noma in Copenhagen which – like El Cellar De Can Roca – has also been previously named best restaurant on the planet.
The list includes chefs from across Europe, the USA, South America, Scandanavia, Africa, Australia, Asia, with last year only two British names making it through – Heston Blumenthal and Clare Smyth.
The Best Chef is a virtual guide to the world of fine dining and which pays tribute to the people at the top of their game and which is widely considered to be a highly prestigious accolade.
“It’s a huge honour to have been nominated and to be considered among chefs who are undisputedly the best in the world,” said James.
“Many of the people who have been included in previous years are my culinary heroes so to be in with the chance to be listed alongside them is absolutely fantastic.”
The nomination has come at a time when The Raby Hunt is celebrating its tenth anniversary, with a series of special events which includes a classic Sunday lunch on 11 August.
A Chef’s Table experience on Sunday 28 July, where James will be joined by sous chef Maria Guseva with dishes inspired by the pair’s travelling adventures, is already sold out.
The highlight of the celebrations will be held on Sunday 7 July, when the restaurant joins forces with Champagne Leclerc-Briant for a five course French-inspired menu with Leclerc-Briant champagne being poured alongside each course.
Tickets – which are extremely limited – cost £190 per person and include matching champagne and champagne on arrival.
To book any of the anniversary events contact the restaurant on 01325 374237 or email bookings@rabyhuntrestaurant.co.uk.