Former SERC Student named Best Young Chef in Ireland 2019

A former student from SERC has recently been named Best Young Chef in Ireland 2019 at the Yes Chef Awards. 

Now in its sixth year, the Yes Chef awards were held in Radisson Blu, County Sligo last week and attracted over 500 guests and with 80 awards up for grabs. Top chefs who showcase culinary innovation and excellence in restaurants and hotels from across Ireland were all in attendance.

20 year old Max Buller from Banbridge enrolled at SERC back in 2014 after completing his GCSE’s to study Level 2 in Professional Cookery before progressing to Level 3. During his time at SERC, Max took part in the IFEX Junior Duck competition coming forth overall.

Currently employed at Molly’s Mill in Craigavon as a Junior Sous chef, Max has worked in numerous restaurants in Northern Ireland as well across the water where he has trained alongside Gary Maclean, winner of MasterChef: The Professionals 2016 and is currently mentored by Australian Chef Dean Coppard.

Max earned the title of Best Young Chef after beating off some stiff competition from worthy competitors. His winning menu consisted of: Oyster Amuse-Bouche, Surf N Turf, Pork Head to Tail and Souffle.

Max has already proved to be a talented young chef when earlier this year he was part of the team which picked up the IFEX ‘Best Kitchen Team in Ireland’ award and he was placed as Second-Best Junior Chef in Northern Ireland.

SERC Lecturer from School of Hospitality, Management, Tourism and Languages Ruth Doherty said that “I couldn’t be happier for Max. He has put a great deal of effort into learning and perfecting his skills. It is great to see former students demonstrate their skills to leading figures in the industry. Each year we’re impressed with the professionalism demonstrated by the students within the College and it is heart-warming when they succeed when the leave.”