High emotions at WCM: Alistair Birt still on track to win title
Alistair Birt. Photo: WCM
Paris, October 28 2015 – The first day of the World Chocolate Masters was a rollercoaster of emotions. Tension was high with ten chefs competing for their spot in the super final on Friday. At the World Chocolate Masters, chocolate is all about emotions, excitement, intense flavour and though competition. In the showpiece assignement some chefs created stunning 2 meters-high works of art while others had some difficulties balancing all the chocolate elements.
Each chef had to create a stunning 2 meters-high showpiece in line with the theme: “Inspiration from Nature”. The level of craftsmanship was even higher than the last edition of the World Chocolate Masters. You can watch the chefs in action here.
Alistair’s wonderful showpiece. Photo: WCM
The showpiece had to be placed on a base that doesn’t exceed 40×40 cm. This extreme balancing act requires top chocolate creativity, extreme discipline and skill. Mastering this combination took about one-and-a-half year of full dedication from each contestant. Unfortunately, even with a great preparation things can go wrong: the showpiece of the Spanish chef Pepe Isla fell on the ground when he was doing the finishing touches. You can relive the dramatic moment. However, with three other assignments in the first round, his quest to become the World Chocolate Master isn’t over.
Alistair Birt defended the colours of the United Kingdom with a showpiece that caught the eye of the audience and jury. “I hope my technique and flavours can convince the jury members,” says Alistair Birt. Besides the showpiece he also crafted a ‘Sweet Snack on the Go’, a moulded praline and a unique ‘Or Noir’-chocolate that was made in Cacao Barry’s OR NOIR™ laboratory.
Tomorrow evening we will know whether or not Alistair Birt’s performance was good enough for him to make it to the super final on Friday.
Alistair at work. Photo: WCM