Dominic Pospisil named Wirral Chef of the Year 2011

Oct 24 2011 By Lorna Hughes

DOMINIC Pospisil stormed to victory in our Wirral Chef of the Year competition today – with a little help from some cauliflower soup.

The father-of-three from Meols triumphed after a cook-off at Liverpool Community College, judged by Masterchef: The Professionals winner Claire Lara and London Carriageworks chef-patron Paul Askew.

Claire praised his soup as “the stand-out dish of the day”.

It was second time lucky for Dominic, who was beaten to the title by Paesano chef Richard Fox last year.

The 35-year-old saw off strong competition from Dave Williams, of the Portrait House in Hoylake, Geoff Derry from the Grove House Hotel in Wallasey and Rob Bryson, of the Anchor Inn in Irby.

Fifth finalist Kane Dickinson, who entered for Peninsula Dining Room in New Brighton, was unable to attend the cook-off, which took place at Liverpool Community College.

Paul and Claire’s scores were added to those from Wirral News readers who attended Chef of the Year nights at each of our finalists’ restaurants.

Modest Dominic, who took over Gem in 2008 after a spell running Aubergine in West Kirby, said he was felt "shell- shocked" after learning he was the winner.

He said: "I really didn’t think about the winning part of it. For me it’s about doing the cooking so this is just like the added bonus.

"It’s not what you go into the job for. You do it because you enjoy it and it’s what your heart’s in but it is nice to be appreciated, to get a bit of recognition."

WIRRAL Chef of the Year is supported by Wirral Council, Liverpool Community College, Wirral Met College and Wirral Farmers Market.