Local young chefs rise to the challenge

ON Saturday 1st February, The Rotary Satellite in Orpington, supported by Orpington Crofton Rotary and Maidstone Dawn Patrol Rotary, brought the South East England fi nals of the Rotary Young Chef of the Year to London South East Colleges’ BR6 Restaurant in Orpington, for a second consecutive year.

Mayor of Bromley Nicholas Bennet with the young chefs

The competition, open to students in full-time education between the ages of 11 and 17, is designed to encourage young people to develop cookery and presentation skills, consider food hygiene issues and hone organisational and planning skills.

The judging panel, which included LSEC Head of Hospitality Tania Summer, had the diffi cult job of selecting two young chefs who will go on to cook in the area fi nals in March, and hopefully, the Nationals at the NEC Birmingham in May.

A watched pot...

Two students from Darrick Wood Secondary School, Ella and Sam, were amongst the eight fi nalists, all of whom demonstrated impressive levels of culinary fl air, with Ella fi nishing in silver medal position.

Orpington's ella with her runner-up trophy

Sharon Baldwin, Executive Director of Orpington 1st, and one of the judges for the day, said, “The standard set by this group of young people has been extraordinarily high. To watch them hard at work all morning with preparation and planning, and then deliver such exquisite dishes has been really inspiring. The importance of the hospitality sector is growing within town centres and it’s great to see a wealth of young and enthusiastic talent.”

Winner Jo-Ann Wright with London South East Colleges Head of Hospitality Tania Summer

Jo-Ann Wright from Mid Kent College was judged cream of the crop and received fi rst prize from Mayor of Bromley, Cllr Nicholas Bennett, who was very complimentary about the students’ work, and acknowledged the support given to them by their families and schools. He also highlighted the benefi t of the fantastic facility provided by London South East Colleges in BR6 Restaurant, not just to Orpington but to the whole Bromley Borough.

Assistant Rotary coordinator, Brenda Parsons, said, “We’re delighted to have brought the South East England fi nals of the Rotary Young Chef competition back to BR6, and thank the team for their hospitality. We wish both Ella and Jo the very best of luck in the area fi nals.”

If you would like to fi nd out more about community and youth activities run by the Rotary satellite in Orpington Feel free to contact Brenda Parsons at orpingtonsatellite@ rotarysoutheast.org The Rotary satellite in Orpington meets monthly at the Premier Inn and is proud to partner Orpington 1st for many of its activities.