Compass Group SA, the country's leading food services company, has scooped two top six places in this year's Unilever Foodsolutions Chef of the Year competition.

The Compass Group in Durban team, consisting of Fiona Kleinhans, Oliver Reddy, Luke Reddy and Sandra Reddy, achieved second place in the "Team of Four Category" while Team ABSA Compass Group in Johannesburg, consisting of Allen Rheeder, Justice Gama, Phireas Kadiaka and Price Moya, were ranked in the top six.

Each category of the competition took the form of a mystery basket competition, in which contestants had just half an hour to come up with their menu and then three hours to prepare a starter, main course and dessert to present to the local and international accredited judges.

Compass Group in Durban received second place for their meal which consisted of a starter of teriyaki prawns partnered with a parmesan and pesto coated calamari served on Lightly Seasoned Mange Tout Peas with a reduction of tomato and herb.

For the main meal they served pork fillet stuffed with caramelized sweet potato and a hint of chilli, basted with a smokey BBQ sauce and a pocketed chicken fillet of chickpea and coriander; served with buttered parisians of potatoes and thyme glazed carrots drizzled with a juis.

This was rounded off with a delicious dessert of Red Wine and Cinnamon Poached Pear Filled with a Delicious Macadamia Nut and Orange Infused Chocolate Mouse Served with Quenelles of Cream.

Monwabisi Kalawe, CEO of Compass Group SA, said the Compass teams had held their own against some stiff competition from some of the country's leading hotel groups.

"Many people think of canteen food as being boring and uninspiring. We at Compass are working hard to show that the food you receive at a staff canteen run by the Compass Group, and often does, match the quality of food you will receive at some of the country's top hotels and restaurants and at a more reasonable price!"

Kalawe said employees at Compass are encouraged everyday to find fresh and innovative ways in which to provide their clients with the food requirements which best meet their staff's needs.

"At Compass our employees have a passion for food and producing quality meals."