Chefs, it’s time to turn up the heat! After the success of last year, the ACREW Chef Competition is back for its second edition! The culinary showdown will take place on February 14th, and will be hosted by Eat Vacuum Cooking in Palma de Mallorca. This year’s event promises thrilling stages, exciting prizes, and a celebration of the extraordinary talents of yacht chefs.
ACREW is dedicated to fostering professional development across all onboard departments, and this competition highlights the vital role chefs play in the yachting experience. By providing a platform for these culinary artists to showcase their talents, ACREW ensures they receive the recognition they deserve. Thanks to the support of sponsors and partners such as Gourmet Deliveries, Montclair, Padre Azul, and Fleurs, this highly anticipated competition is set to be a true celebration of culinary excellence within the industry.
What to Expect: A Culinary Battle Like No Other
This year’s competition is divided into two intense and exciting stages:
Stage 1: Individual Competition
Chefs will kick off the day by crafting a single dish centered around a hero ingredient. Participants will have access to a pantry and fresh produce stand, selecting only eight additional ingredients to complement the chosen hero ingredient. This stage will push chefs to innovate, showcasing their ability to elevate a dish with limited resources. Judges will assess each creation based on: ingredient utilisation, technique execution, flavour profile, and presentation.
Stage 2: Group Competition
In the second stage, collaboration takes center stage. Teams of chefs will design three appetizers that pair perfectly with one of three tequila varieties—Reposado, Mezcal, or Añejo—provided by Padre Azul. Each team’s appetizers must form a cohesive menu, complement the chosen tequila’s flavor profile, and demonstrate creativity and harmony. Judges will evaluate: creativity and innovation, teamwork and execution, incorporation of tequila, and presentation.
Prizes to Elevate the Stakes
The ACREW Chef Competition offers not just recognition but also exciting rewards:
1st Prize
-The coveted 2025 Chef Competition Trophy
-A personalised tequila bottle from Padre Azul
-€1000 cash prize
-A stunning bouquet of flowers from Fleurs
Runner-Up Prize: A curated gift box by Padre Azul
Group Competition Prize: A gourmet gift basket featuring premium delights from Mallorca
Prize for All Participants: Automatic nomination for the prestigious 2025 ACREW Crew Awards in the Chef category
Panel of Judges
Judging the competition are three highly esteemed culinary experts. Helen Grensinger, who began her career as a chef on superyachts and later became a personal chef for exclusive villas, now excels as a provisioner at Gourmet Deliveries. With over a decade of expertise, she brings unparalleled insights to the panel. Chris Demaillet, a chef with more than 20 years of experience in superyachts and private residences, refined his craft under world-renowned Michelin-starred chefs and now leads Montclair Chef, a premier chef agency. Mia Naprta, a seasoned writer and food industry expert, adds a unique perspective to the panel. With nearly two decades as a food and drink market analyst specializing in sugar and chocolate confectionery, she brings a refined palate and a wealth of knowledge to the judging table.
Why Compete?
This event is more than just a competition; it’s your opportunity to shine as a culinary artist and gain recognition among the yachting elite. Competing in the ACREW Chef Competition allows you to demonstrate your creativity, refine your skills, and challenge yourself alongside the best in the industry. With high-end ingredients, expert judges, and prestigious prizes, this platform celebrates your dedication to culinary excellence. Don’t miss the chance to showcase your talent, gain invaluable experience, and take home incredible awards.
Chefs located in and around Palma, join the ACREW Chef Competition and leave your mark in the world of yacht gastronomy!
