Young Chef 2018/19 - Guernsey Final (16 November 2018)

Our annual competition was held on Friday 16th November at the College of Further Education.  Competitors had the task of producing a three course meal for two in two hours within a budget of £20.

The overall winner was Ruby Hynes from the Grammar School. Runner up was William Brook from Blanchelande College.

The trophy for the tastiest dish went to Holly Neill from St. Anne’s School in Alderney. Jemima Carr from Blanchelande took the trophy for the best use of local produce while Markuss Embutneiks from La Mare de Carteret High School had the award for the best hygiene and safety practice. Charlotte Bertrand from Blanchelande won the kitchen craft trophy. A new trophy this year was donated by the College of FE for the most organised entrant and this was won by Owen Carre from Alderney.

Head of the judges Paul Wilson said that all the entrants had produced food of a standard fit to be served at a good restaurant and he hoped that some of the entrants would find a career in hospitality. Besides Paul the judging panel comprised Tanya Dorrity from the Channel Islands Co-op, Paul Ainsworth from Aurigny and Charlotte Jones from Environmental Health.

The Channel Islands Co-operative Society’s Community Officer, Tanya Dorrity, said: ‘As a community retailer, the Co-op is passionate about giving opportunities to the future generations of our Islands. We are delighted to sponsor this great event, which encourages young Islanders to use fresh, local produce to create these amazing dishes. We would like to congratulate Ruby and the other competitors who took part in this year’s competition. We wish them the best of luck for the future as they develop their skills.’

Without sponsorship the Rotary Club of Guernsey would not be able to put on this competition and we are most grateful to the Channel Islands Co-op which meets the bulk of the expenses. Help from Aurigny makes it possible for students in Alderney to take part in the competition, Mercury Distribution provides chefs’ whites so that all of the competitors looked the part.

The Rotary Club also wishes to thank Steve Bacon and his team at the College of FE and to the Principal, Louise Misselke, for allowing the College facilities to be used. As Judge Paul Wilson said, all of the entrants benefitted from the guidance and support they received during the competition.

The overall winner, Ruby Hynes will now represent Guernsey at the next stage of the national competition, which takes place in Hampshire in March next year.