Lycée Rainier III welcomed some of Monaco’s rising hospitality talents on Thursday 8th October, hosting the third edition of the Young Chef, Waiter, and Mixologist (YYY) competition, which saw three young professionals selected to represent the Principality internationally.

The annual competition brought together competitors aged 28 and under from some of Monaco’s most well-known hospitality establishments, challenging them to showcase their culinary creativity, service expertise, and mixology skills before a panel of judges.

Following the competition, Rambod Amini of L’Abysse Monte-Carlo was named the winning chef, Louis Martin of Pavyllon Monte-Carlo by Yannick Alléno took the waiter title, and Thanh-Danh Morter of the Casino de Monte-Carlo secured the mixologist award.

The three winners will now form Team Monaco at the World YYY Final in London next year, hoping to build on Monaco’s second-place finish earlier this year.

YYY Monaco Chairman Robert Lee Mulcahy praised Lycée Rainier III’s continued support, particularly recognising Headmaster Leslie Giobergia, Deputy Head Christophe Joublin, and the school’s students and staff. “The attention to detail and generosity was very much appreciated,” he said.

CREATIVITY AND COLLABORATION

The competition tested participants across three disciplines, each presenting its own challenges.

The chefs were given two and a half hours to prepare and present a full three-course menu for guests, with judges assessing creativity, flavour, sustainability, and teamwork. This year’s competitors took an adventurous approach to their menus, with dishes developed around ingredients including beetroot, cauliflower, and mushrooms.

Speaking to Monaco Life, Mulcahy highlighted the growing creativity demonstrated by participants, especially their willingness to experiment with their menus. He also emphasised the competition’s focus on sustainability, particularly the collaboration between chefs and mixologists.

“The chef works with a mixologist and the mixologist, as one of their tasks, takes scraps of food left over from creating the dishes and uses that in their cocktail. So it’s zero waste,” Mulcahy explained.

The waiters were assessed on their table presentation, preparation, organisation, and professionalism, while mixologists were challenged to create original cocktails incorporating mystery ingredients, with storytelling, technique, and sustainability all playing a part in the judging criteria.

BUILDING CONFIDENCE BEYOND COMPETITION

For Mulcahy, one of the most encouraging developments this year was the growth demonstrated by returning competitors. He highlighted waiter category winner Louis Martin, who had previously competed without winning the title but returned this year with confidence and determination.

“It’s one thing for somebody to compete and say, ‘Oh, I didn’t win it, I won’t do it again.’ But then to go, ‘I’m going to go for it again,’” Mulcahy told Monaco Life. “As a person, his confidence has improved because of the competition. He’s taken it on as a challenge and won this year.”

Mulcahy also emphasised the importance of building a supportive environment, explaining that organisers intentionally brought finalists together the day before the competition. Participants met, shared a meal, and visited the wine cellars at the Hôtel de Paris and Distillerie de Monaco, allowing them to get to know one another before competing.

“They’re not seeing each other as competitors. They’re helping each other in the kitchen today. The mixologists are helping each other with ingredients. So it’s camaraderie, as opposed to silence and an exam approach. It’s supposed to be fun.”

MONACO SETS ITS SIGHTS ON INTERNATIONAL SUCCESS

With the national winners now confirmed, attention turns to the World YYY Final in London, where Team Monaco will compete against young hospitality professionals from around the world.

The Principality enters the next edition with a strong recent record, having secured second place overall earlier this year through the efforts of Clara Germain, Eric Maccario, and Clara Babkine.

Mulcahy explained that although competitors work in mixed teams during the Monaco competition, each participant was judged individually. The three category winners are then brought together to form the national team.

These newly selected representatives therefore have the opportunity to develop their teamwork ahead of the final, combining expertise from some of Monaco’s most recognised hospitality venues.

Beyond the competition itself, Mulcahy hopes the initiative continues to inspire the younger generation to pursue careers in hospitality, while providing emerging professionals with opportunities to develop their skills and gain recognition.

First launched in 2023 with Prince Albert II attending the inaugural awards announcement, YYY Monaco has continued to develop as a showcase for the Principality’s young hospitality talent.

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Photo source: YYY Monaco