A CHEF from near Presteigne is in with a shout of being crowned the National Chef of the year for 2011 - one of the most respected and sought after culinary titles.
Daniel Jones, who is head chef at the Harp Inn, Old Radnor, was last month put through to the semi-finals of the competition by Craft Guild of Chefs, and is in touching distance of the title.
Daniel has been head chef at The Harp since February and the role is his first in sole charge of a kitchen.
Daniel will be one of 40 chefs from across Britain who will take part in the semi final.
Entrants were required to submit a menu and judges shortlisted those they believed the best to take part in the semi final.
The requirements of the competition mean Daniel’s starter featured three canapes, two hot and one cold, a main course based on duck and a banana dessert.
He will now have to travel to Sheffield Food College on September 5 where he will attempt to wow the judges with cuisine.
If he is successful he will then compete in the final against seven other chefs with each having to prepare their meal from a mystery bag of ingredients.
Speaking about his menu Daniel said: “I am highly into local produce and seasonal produce and because the final is in October it’s a very autumnal menu with oranges and browns using ingredients you would find in October.
"That’s when the final takes place and the’s when duck is at its best.”
For the full interview with Daniel, pick up a copy of this week's County Times.