Yip-ee for victorious chef Conor

Culinary whizkid cooks up a storm  to steal the show at cooking competition

A talented chef was causing a stir when he showed off his skills to win a national cooking competition.

Twenty-two-year-old Conor Bird wowed judges with his use of flavours to clinch the Wing Yip Oriental Young Chef of the Year title in a cook-off with seven other finalists.

As well as getting the adulation of winning the award, Conor won a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Hong Kong, where he’ll be given the unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience at the city’s leading Michelin star restaurants.

Conor rustled up a winning menu that included a main course of apple and miso-glazed duck breast with honey-heritage carrots, red cabbage puree, pak choi, sweet plum jus and miso dust.

Wing Yip Director Brian Yip said: “The Young Chef competition is something which is very close to our hearts – we’re extremely passionate about championing aspiring young chefs from all over the country.

“The competition offers an amazing platform for anyone who’s passionate about cooking, whether that’s Oriental or in other cuisines.”

Foodservice Wing Yip