Talented young chefs went head to head at Loughborough College this week, taking one step closer to the chance to win a national culinary crown.
Eight hopefuls from local schools showcased their cooking skills at the Springboard FutureChef 2017 local heats final, with the hope of a place alongside winners from across the region, before a London showdown in the new year.
After 90 tense minutes during which competitors had to cook a main course and dessert for two with a budget of £7.00, Yasmina Lock was declared the winner.
The 14 year old Ratcliffe College pupil took first place with her menu of Deconstructed Paella and Open Apple Crumble in a filo basket with cherries and Chantilly cream.
A team of judges included Derby County FC Head Chef Neil Hardy, Loughborough College lecturer Julie Eldridge and award-winning former Loughborough College student Emily Bucknall, who was offered a place with the two Michelin-starred Restaurant Sat Bains straight from completing her course.
Julie Eldridge said: “It’s so important to us to help support the passion and talent of young people eager to enter the industry and after welcoming the competition to the College for many years, we were delighted to host the Springboard FutureChef local heat final.
“Considering the age of the competitors, the skills on show were outstanding and I am excited to be mentoring Yamina as she moves forward to the regional finals.
“It was great to see Emily return as a judge too. She has been a prize winner herself many times over in national competition and supported the Craft Guild of Chefs Great Britain team at the International Culinary Olympics.”
Emily added: “The competitors produced some incredible dishes – I’m not sure I could have done it at their age – and they did it so calmly, under enormous pressure. But the best thing was seeing them all enjoying it so much. The smiles didn’t go away!”
Springboard’s FutureChef is a nationwide culinary initiative for 12 to 16 year olds offering teachers and young people an insight into the wealth of career opportunities that the hospitality sector has to offer.
Competitors included: Adrian Cabubas, English Martyrs; Ava Benjamin, English Martyrs; Charlotte Langford, Ratcliffe College; Yasmina Lock, Ratcliffe College; Evie Woodhouse, Gartree High School; Rianna Rai, Gartree High School; Thomas Cox, Catmose College and William McCabe, Catmose College
The Springboard FutureChef East Midlands regional final will take place at Loughborough College in January 2018.
Pictured at the Springboard Future Chef local final at Loughborough College (from left) Neil Hardy, Emily Bucknall, Yasmina Lock and Julie Eldridge
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