Each year at historic chef competition International Salon Culinaire, which in 2023 takes place on 20-22 March, the top chef or chef team in each competition category are awarded ‘Best in Class’ by the expert panel of judges.  

This year’s winners were in luck as Unox, one of the show’s exclusive equipment partners, additionally offered an all-expenses-paid trip to Italy for the Live Theatre Best in Class winners, including a visit to the unique city of Venice and an opportunity to explore neighbouring Padova. 

The whistle-stop tour of Venice saw the chefs take a water taxi from the airport straight to the centre of the iconic city, checking out the famous Rialto Bridge and Bridge of Sighs before stopping off for a delicious gelato and a quick Aperol Spritz before heading to Padova, near the UNOX global headquarters.  

The visit also provided the chefs with the chance to explore the Unox head office in Padova, where the company’s range of professional catering ovens is manufactured. Along with a chance to explore the supplier’s factories the chefs were also given an introduction to some of its newest ovens and products, including its latest launch the Unox Speed-X, the first ever self-washing combi speed oven.  

Terry O’Riordan, Owner of ketochefs.co.uk and Best in Class winner in the competition’s Open Lamb category, said: “It was great to have the chance to see the Unox range of ovens in action and to learn more about how the business runs, plus the trip was a great opportunity to sample some fantastic Italian cuisine.” 

The trip concluded with a walking tour of historic Padova, including the famous Caffè Pedrocchi where the chefs had a chance to sample its unique green coffee (with its recipe a closely guarded secret) and the city's university, celebrating its 800th anniversary in 2022. Finally, a tour of the bustling food markets of Padova saw the chefs stocking up on culinary souvenirs before heading back to the UK.  

Andrew Pantelli, Project Director for International Salon Culinaire, added: “Huge thanks to Unox for this fantastic trip for the Live Theatre Best in Class winners, who had a chance to use the Unox ovens first hand throughout the competition. This was a great chance for our winners to learn more about the business while soaking in the fantastic atmosphere, food and culture of Venice and Padova.” 

Ben Ross, UK Key Account Manager at Unox UK, concluded: “We are delighted to have welcomed the category winners from the 2022 International Salon Culinaire competition to the Unox global head office in Padova, Italy. We felt the trip was a huge success, with the winners having an exclusive opportunity to see a behind-the-scenes tour of our state-of-the-art R&D and manufacturing facilities, enjoy live demonstrations from our Unox Corporate Chef team, take in the sights of Venice on a private boat tour and Padova on a guided walking tour and sample just some of the many culinary delights from the region.  

“As a business, Unox UK is proud to support and invest in International Salon Culinaire, a prestigious competition that recognises the future stars of our industry. As such, we hope to be able to continue our relationship with the team and the competition going forward.”