Young Chef Meal

Senlac Rotary’s Young Chef of the Year, 14 year old Robertsbridge Community College student Abi Roger’s winning menu was recreated at Sussex Coast College, Hastings on Wednesday 22nd January. Chef and college students watched over by Abi and runner-up Connie Blackmore, also a 14 year old student from Robertsbridge, prepared the three course meal to be served to 40 members and guests of Senlac Rotary in the college’s restaurant. Abi’s menu was Baked mushrooms stuffed with ricotta, parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, Chicken Kiev with a side of green beans and new potatoes followed by Honey cheese cake. The competition held at Robersbridge Community College in November saw five aspiring young chefs from the college taking part in what turned out to be a very close contest with only one point separating the winner, Abi, and runner up, Connie.  After the contest Abi said, “Everything went wrong at the start. I put the food in the oven and then the oven switched itself off and I found my meal not cooking. I’m very pleased I won but I didn’t expect it.” Abi and Connie’s parents were also at the dinner to enjoy Ab’s meal. Asked how she felt about the competition and seeing her meal prepared, Connie said, “It was good fun and it was a great opportunity to see my meal cooked by Chef. I learned a lot from the tips I was given. I’m not sure whether cooking will be my future because I’ve been thinking about working in the Veterinary field.”

Abi and Connie both received their certificates from President Fitz Fitzgraham and Fiona Budd, the domestic science teacher for Robertsbrige Community College was presented with a cookery book to for the college library. Chris Folley the organiser said, “It’s peculiar to Senlac Rotary to invite the winner to prepare their winning menu as a dinner for the club members and guests. It was a great contest this year and well done to all who took part in it. It’s not just going into the kitchen; it needs much preparation and thought.” Continuing Chris said, “Young Chef of the Year is not the only event where Rotary support youth. We support young musicians, youth speakers, writers, and photographers amongst others; Rotary also runs a Youth Leadership Award scheme. We’d love to hear about anyone who might benefit and who we could support.”

Connie will be taking part in the next round, the District round, which will be held in Orpington on 1st February 2020

The Rotary Young Chef Competition is a well-established and successful competition organised and promoted by Rotary International in Great Britain & Ireland and sponsored by Filippo Berio. 

It is a four-stage national competition to support and encourage development of cookery skills. Some stages may have more than one round.

This competition aims to encourage young people to:

•    Learn how to cook a healthy meal

•    Develop food presentation skills

•    Consider food hygiene issues

•    Develop organisational and planning skills

•    Develop an ability to cope in a demanding situation