YOUNG CHEF

The first round of this year's Rotary Young Chef Competition was hosted recently by Queens College Taunton. Young people from across the area took part in a celebration of young culinary talent, creativity and skill.

The event was organised by the Rotary Club of Taunton, whose ongoing commitment to supporting young people through education and hands on opportunities was evident throughout the day.

The competition was overseen by an exceptional panel of judges including Chef Richard Hunt, Chef Ren Gaillard and Chef and Chocolatier Beverley Gore each offering valuable expertise and encouragement to the competitors.

Speaking after the judging, Chef Richard Hunt commented, “Everyone produced courses that were absolutely fantastic,” while Chef Ren Gaillard added, “It has been a real pleasure to come by and be part of the competition.”

Special congratulations go to Ksusha of Queens College who won the senior competition and will now progress to the next round on 10 March with Isla of Courtfields School, Wellington, who won the intermediate section and will join Ksusha at the District Final. 

The Rotary Young Chef Competition challenges pupils to prepare and serve a two-course healthy meal comprising a main course and dessert for two people within two hours and on a budget of up to £18. Competitors are assessed across a wide range of criteria including costing and planning, healthy menu choices, knife and equipment skills, time management and serving temperature, organisation and hygiene, range of techniques, and overall presentation and taste.

Adrian Prior Sankey MBE, President of the Rotary Club of Taunton, said, “Thank you to Mr Mann and the amazing team at Queen’s College for their generous hospitality and expertise at last weekend’s Rotary Young Chef Competition. It was a joy to see the arrangements benefit such gifted young people.”

Further information about the Rotary Young Chef Competition can be found on the Rotary website at www.tauntonrotary.com