Ayrshire Chefs Association make a comeback

Feb 6 2009 by Stuart Wilson

Stirring up interest in league of chefs

CHEFS are being urged to ditch their knives and come out of the kitchen.

For Ayr cook Paul Crichton reckons it’s good to talk.

So he’s leading the comeback of the Ayrshire Chefs Association – returning to the culinary scene after an extended break.

Paul, head chef at Ayr’s Glen Park hotel, revealed: “The old group disbanded when we lost funding from Ayrshire and Arran Tourist Board.

“Chefs would get together before to promote the industry and that’s what we need to do again.

“Everyone knows about the credit crunch and not as many people are eating out as before.

“We realise money is tight and that’s why we have to get our heads together and promote what we do.”

The chefs will have the chance to meet tutors in hospitality from Ayr College, who have a renowned catering record. And the group will be open to more than just experienced chefs like Paul.

He explained: “This will be for everyone of all skills in the kitchen and the aim is to get as many viewpoints as possible.

“The last time the group was up and running, we had a good 30 core members.

“We’ll have reps from various companies coming along to the first meeting and the important thing is getting the industry recognised again.”

Chefs from across Ayrshire are invited to attend the meeting on Monday at 3pm at the Glen Park hotel on Miller Road.

And Paul, 49, believes it’s the start of a rebirth for cookery in this neck of the woods.

He insisted: “The Ayrshire chefs used to do a lot of demonstrations in schools and cater for things like Hospice lunches.

“It would be great to get back out there doing that sort of stuff and hopefully this meeting can kick things off.”