The UK South Asian Chef Competition   Over the past few months regional finals have taken place around the UK to determine the winner in each region. These chefs went forward to the national final held on 19 October 2007 at Leeds Thomas Danby, Leeds. Standards were exceptionally high throughout all regional heats and the judges were most impressed with all those who participated. We are delighted to announce the names of the national finalists: Stephen Duffy - Head Chef Treysgawen Hall Hotel & Spa, Anglesey, North Wales Mr Mahfuj Alam Sardar - Chef Proprietor Sardar Foods, Reading Hansa Dabhi - Chef Owner Hansa's Vegetarian Restaurant, Leeds Avijit Mondal - Chef Saffron Blue Restaurant, Ashby de la Zouch, Leicestershire "Murray" Mariappam - Head Chef (SACC 2006 National Winner) The Mango Tree Indian Restaurant, Stonnall, West Midlands The ultimate winner received a trophy, £1,000 cash, media exposure and many opportunities to demonstrate their craft skills at events around the UK. The second and third places will receive £500 and £250. The finalists attended a glittering 25th Annual Charity Dinner hosted and organsised by Aagrah Group of Restaurants, at which the winner as announced. The dinner was attended by over 400 guests from all sectors of business, education and industry. This was a double celebration, recognising Aagrah's 30 years in business and their 25th consecutive charity event; which has raised in excess of £500.000 for good causes over the years. In 2006 the competition contributed £20,000 towards the total of over £65,000, raised for charity at the Aagrah Group of Restaurants 24th Annual Charity Dinner. The inspiration and the reason why the dinner is held each year- is to celebrate the birthday of Sajid Mahmood. Sajid passed away 25 years ago - the son of Aagrah Group Chairman, Mohammed Sabir. Barclays Bank plc provided a boost to the final figure by matching the funds raised through selling raffle and after-dinner games party tickets, by matching £3000. Distinguished and high profile business guests were shown a brief film on the PHENOMINAL SUCCESS that is Aagrah&ldots; success based around Aagrah not just being a business but a benefactor and an active community member. Mohammed Aslam Managing Director of Aagrah group thanked all the guests and said that when the charity dinner started 25 years ago they raised £750 and had 35 guests. This years event was attended by more than 400 guests and raised at staggering £51,000. Aagrah continues to grow by adding 3 new sites to their existing 10 restaurants, and Outdoor Event Catering and Central Production Unit. Aagrah Sheffield (Leopold Square) opening December 3rd 2007, the very first Café Aagrah opening at Clarence Dock Leeds March 2008 and a relocation of the Pudsey site to a 250 seat restaurant with separate first floor banqueting facilities called Midpoint. This year's coveted SACC title was won by Stephen Duffy - Head Chef Treysgawen Hall Hotel & Spa, Anglesey top