International sandwich competition enters eighth year Six nations competed for the title of “Best Sandwich In The World” at the international final of the Délifrance Sandwich World Cup in Lyon this January. Lebanon snapped up the title with the Chicken Pistachio Sablet, the creation of chef Samer Baaklini, at the Délifrance International Sandwich Competition (DISC) which was held at Lyon’s Sandwich and Snack Show on 25 January 2011.
Originally launched in 2000 by French bakery specialists Délifrance as a way of sourcing fresh talent in the booming UK sandwich market, the bi-annual competition has become an important event in food industry circles and offers UK chefs the chance to compete against their international Counterparts.
Ian Jones, Senior Sous Chef at the Marriott Hotel & Country Club in Worsley Park, was cherry picked by Délifrance UK Ltd to represent the UK with his sandwich and was awarded fourth place among stiff competition.
Manchester-based Ian was selected following his reputation as an innovative and inspirational young chef and he was delighted to join representatives from across the world to present his crab-based Focaccia sandwich before an international judging panel of culinary professionals.
During the competition, chefs from France, Germany, Sweden, Lebanon, Belgium and the UK were asked to demonstrate the creation of a sandwich using Délifrance bread that is original, nutritional, quick and easy to prepare.
Combining a filling of white crab meat with fresh mayonnaise and watercress, Ian served his unique recipe on distinctive, Délifrance Focaccia bread. He said: “I’m really pleased to have competed at international standard. It was quite exhilarating to see the large arena, the television cameras and the judging panel of top experts so I’m pleased with my performance under pressure.
Although it wasn’t a result I had hoped for it has given me the fire and passion to try again next year to bring the title home.”Taking home the 2011 “Best Sandwich In The World” title, the Lebanon also won an international gourmet weekend at the relay-Chateau Le Jardin des Sens, a luxury for star hotel and restaurant, created by acclaimed French chefs, the Pourcel brothers.
Ian Dobbie, Managing Director of Délifrance UK, said: “The competition this year was incredibly high and we are extremely proud of Ian and his impressive performance in front of a panel of highly acclaimed judges and television cameras. The Lebanon entry already holds the “HORECA 2009” title for “Most Creative Sandwich” in the Middle East so we were beaten by a worthy opponent and look forward to 2013.”
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