Penrith Schools Excel in Rotary Young Chef Competition

The Rotary Young Chef Competition, sponsored by olive oil producer Filippo Berio, gives young people the opportunity to test their culinary skills against those of their peers. Following their success at the local round of the competition, year 10 students Estella Bird and Claudia Muirhead from QEGS, and Leyla Fussell from UCC, progressed to the Rotary District round. This was held at the Lakes School, Troutbeck Bridge on Thursday 13^th February and attracted 14 entrants from 9 schools around the County who, like Estella, Claudia and Leyla, had won through their local heats of the competition.

The Young Chefs had 2 hours to prepare a two-course meal for two within a budget of £18. Marks were awarded for time planning, choice of menu and costings of ingredients – as well as for the presentation and quality of their meal. This annual event generates lots of excitement and the meals produced are always of a very high standard. This year was no exception, and all the Young Chefs including our three from Penrith did themselves proud with the quality and presentation of the meals they produced on the night.

The competition was judged by Steven Doherty, a Michelin starred chef,  and Yannick Lequitte, a pastry tutor at Kendal College. In addressing the contestants, Head Judge Steven spoke of the importance of young people opting to enter the hospitality business which is so important to this area. He then congratulated all the Young Chefs for the standard of meals they had produced, before awarding Claudia Muirhead (QEGS) First Place for her outstanding meal.

Her main course was Japanese teriyaki chicken with rice, cucumber and carrot salad, a mango salsa and fried noodles. For dessert, Claudia presented show-stopping chocolate domes filled with avocado, chocolate and popping candy mousse and cherries, served with a berry sauce and olive oil crumb. 

Rotary District Governor Kath Robinson presented the prizes, and all the contestants received a certificate and a goody bag to mark their participation. Claudia also received a retail voucher.

She will now progress to the next round of the competition when contestants from Cumbria and Lancashire will vie for the honours and the opportunity to go through to the national final in April 2025. President Stephen Clark said that the Rotary Club of Penrith puts great store in supporting our young people and will continue to sponsor Claudia throughout the rest of the Young Chef competition.