Rotary’s young chefsmeet the professionals

A dish served up at the Rotary Young Chef competition in Horsham

Seven young students took part in this National event where in the last three years the National winner has been a Horsham student.

This annual competition held within the magnificent new facilities at Millais school attracts in excess of 3,500 young students throughout the UK and Ireland each year.

Students had to plan, prepare and cook two helpings of a two course meal within a budget of £10.

The heat steadily increased in the food technology classrooms where the judges Lewis Hamblet, the executive chef at South Lodge, and Robbie Pierce, the head chef at the Roffey Park Institute, had to make a decision.

Points were awarded against 9 set disciplines and eventually the results were announced.

The winner Nathan Aylett from the Warden Park school and sponsored by the Rotary Club of Cuckfield and Lindfield, served up a curried cod lion, with pureed and roasted cauliflower, and pickled mango, followed by a chocolate fondant with whipped cream and raspberries.

The runner up Adam Berwick from Tanbridge House School served up a chicken fillet stuffed with spinach and Parma Ham along with couscous, mange tout and baby sweet corn followed by a trio of deserts :- cherry, mango and coconut oatcake; mango cream; mango and orange smoothie.

Both the judges commented on the high standards achieved by all competitors who were 13/14 years of age and added that it all bodes well for the future of their profession and improving standards in the hotel and catering fields.

Gordon McConnell from the Rotary Club of Horsham said “This is the 7th year that the Club has run this competition and we have been pleased to have given so many students a chance to show off their culinary skills.

“The fact that for the last 3 years a Horsham student has won the National final speaks for itself. Congratulations go to their teachers and parents for encouraging them in the first place.”

Both Nathan and Adam will compete in the next round, the Rotary District semi final, to be held in January 2016.

Report nad picture contributed by the Rotary Club of Horsham.