Young chefs impress judges during cookery competition at Redbridge College
Young chefs are taking part in competition at Redbridge College, Aisha Naeem, age16 from Mayfield School. - Credit: Archant
Potential masterchefs of the future dazzled judges with their cooking skills on Tuesday during a competition at Redbridge College.
Young chefs are taking part in competition at Redbridge College, Aisha Naeem, age16 from Mayfield School. - Credit: Archant
The Rotary Young Chef Area Final for London East and North East, at the college in Barley Lane, Little Heath, brought together pupils from 10 schools – including five from Redbridge.
With just £7 to spend on ingredients and an hour-and-a-half for cooking time, 20 chefs aged 11 to 18 whipped up tasty dishes to impress the six judges.
Daniel Mashadi, 13, from Ilford County High School in Fremantle Road, Barkingside, was judged the overall winner for his greek mezze offering, with schoolmate Amar Singh Nandhra, also 13, the first runner-up with a salmon with asparagus dish.
Caitlin Kerrigan, 14, from Ursuline Academy in Morland Road, Ilford, was the second runner-up thanks to her fish with Thai-style vegetables dish.
Sugra Tahir, Rotary’s youth service district chairman, said: “It was a very high standard. They worked very hard and the judges were really pleased with what they served.
“Redbridge College is offering free training for the winners in preparation for the next heat. It enables young people to develop skills in preparing healthy meals.”
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This area final was the second of five stages.
The winner and first runner-up will go through to the district final, at Westminster Kingsway Catering College, followed by a regional and then national final.
The competition was sponsored by Redbridge College and food service company Compass Group and there were six judges including Compass’ Darren Deadman, inset left, head chef at Leith’s restaurant at ExCeL London.
The other judges were two teachers from the college and three of its catering and hospitality students.
Caterham High School in Caterham Avenue, Clayhall, Mayfield School, Pedley Road, Goodmayes, and Wanstead High School in Redbridge Lane West, Wanstead, made up the Redbridge schools taking part.
The competition can also help students to prepare for careers in the catering industry, with a former winner having gone on to work at the famous Ivy Restaurant.
