Young chefs cook up a storm

09 February 2015

Aspiring young chefs gathered at the College’s Stables restaurant to compete in this year’s Young Chef of the Year competition.

Twenty-five hopefuls cooked their hearts out in the restaurant’s professional kitchen to prepare delicious starters, main dishes and desserts for the waiting judges.

This year’s judges were restauranteur Andrei Lussmann, The Herts Advertiser’s food columnist Becky Alexander and the Mayor of St Albans, Councillor Geoff Harrison.

After eagerly tasting each offering and conferring amongst themselves, the judges chose their three winners, one from each category:

• Terence Dobson, who prepared a delicious starter of Lobster Ravioli
• Lauren Telling, who delivered an exotic main dish of Hoi An Chicken & Banana Leaf
• Mia Taylor, who wowed the judges with her beautiful Vanilla Cheesecake & Lemon Shortbread

Each winner will receive a £100 Amazon gift voucher and a £20 voucher for the Pudding Stop in St Albans.

Mia, who was named the overall winner, will also get the chance to cook alongside Phil Thompson, who runs fine dining restaurant THOMPSON@Darceys, as well as a free meal with her family at Andrei’s restaurant, Lussmanns Fish & Grill.

Becky Alexander said: “This competition is one of my favourite events of the year. I love to see what the talented chefs, some as young as 13, can cook. Every year they impress me with their skills and commitment. It is a fantastic opportunity for the children to cook in a professional kitchen and to show industry professionals what they can do. Lots of adults could learn from them.”

Interested in a career in the kitchen? See how we can help you get there: Hospitality & Catering courses