Woodhey High School students seeking big Ramsbottom Rotary Club Young Chef Competition win

Three students of Woodhey High School will be competing for places in the regional finals of the Ramsbottom Rotary Club Young Chef Competition on the 16^th February.

Three students of Woodhey High School will be competing for places in the regional finals of the Ramsbottom Rotary Club Young Chef Competition on the 16^th February.

The trio of aspiring chefs will be working under the tutelage of Oliver Harvey Featured Chef Chris Haddock and their Food and Nutrition GCSE teacher Claire Gallie.

Oliver Harvey are sponsoring Woodley High School in their efforts to claim the prize.

90 Woodhey High School students were put through their paces, competing in tasks involving menu planning, costing and food preparation in timed conditions.

Out of 90 students the three best were selected to represent Woodhey High School in the district semi-finals; Amelia Hashdi won the first, held at Newton le Willows School, with Rebecca Wilkinson and Chris Cordwell coming first and second in the third, held at Cheadle Hulme School.

Only Woodhey High School have three entrants in the district finals, which are to be held at Parrs Wood School, Didsbury.

Of the nine students in the district final, three will progress to the regional final, with the sole winner of that going on to represent the region in the national final.

In preparation for the big day, the students spent a day at a mentoring event at the Marriott Manchester Airport Hotel. Executive Chef Daryl Houghton gave students an opportunity to look at current trends in creating menus, with a particular focus on seasonality of produce and the ways in which people can shop local.

The purpose of this was to introduce the considerations professional chefs and establishments give to menu wording, table setting and food allergens. All of these finer details are the difference between a good chef and a great chef.

The competitive advantage the mentoring event has given the students stands them in good stead for the upcoming district final as well as providing a teaser of what the life of a professional chef is really like.

In addition, the students were given an introduction into to exciting garnishes and vegetable carving by Chef Silvino Alvez of the Marriot Hotel.

At the district finals the year 10 students will present a starter, a main and dessert of restaurant standard.

Along with trainee teacher and Oliver Harvey Featured Chef Chris Haddock, they’re working hard on perfecting their dishes.

They have all chosen dishes that show an understanding of different cultures and cuisines; with dishes of modern Italian, French and Indian origins, while understanding the importance of balanced nutrition.

Their selection of seasonal and local ingredients show the influence of the growing food scene in the Ramsbottom area and the effect it is having on young people in making their food choices of the future.

With three contestants progressing to the regional finals, there’s a good chance that Amelia, Rebecca and Chris will all make it to the next stage, and Oliver Harvey wishes all three of them good luck moving forward.