Kikkoman Masters goes to Zimmer
24 Feb 2000

Eyck Zimmer, chef-lecturer at Thames Valley University in Slough, has won this year's coveted Kikkoman Masters title. He triumphed in a fiercely competitive cook-off against nine fellow chefs, each of whom had to cook and prepare a two-course meal, excluding dessert, for three covers. The dishes were all original creations but had to include event sponsor Kikkoman's soy sauce as an integral ingredient.

Thirty-year-old Zimmer's winning menu comprised a starter of lobster and scallop skewer served with a butternut squash chutney and soy dressing, followed by a main course of marinated squab pigeon accompanied by a parsnip pancake and wilted ruby chard. The marinade consisted of honey, lemon grass, soy sauce and five-spice.

A 10-day, all-expenses-paid, working trip to Japan is the reward for Zimmer's hard work. Luckily, it can be taken at his own convenience, which is just as well because Zimmer, alongside his lecturing duties, is also studying for a Bachelor of Science degree in International Culinary Arts at Thames Valley.