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Hometown Glory for Budding Young Chef
Six young chefs from across the country battled it out for the coveted title of National Junior Chef 2010 today at Thanet College. The College was delighted to announce for the first time since the competition began seven years ago that the winner was current student Matthew Cowell, 16, from Broadstairs.
The Hereson School pupil who has also been studying a Pre Vocational course at the College was shocked and delighted with the result. Mum Debbie said after “I’m over the moon, so proud of him. He really wants a part time Catering job over the summer so I’m hoping this will help!”
The finalists were shortlisted from over 150 entries and travelled down with friends and relatives to take part in the competition judged by celebrity chef and former Thanet College student Gary Rhodes.
After a tense cook off lasting 3 hours their dishes were presented to Executive Chef at P&O Ferries Simon Bean, Head Chef at Eastwell Manor Paul Owens and Gary Rhodes for deliberation.
On the day VIP guests including Mayors of Broadstairs and Ramsgate, local business owners and Council members enjoyed a three course lunch prepared by the College’s second year trainee chefs and served by hospitality students. The courses of Asparagus en Croute, Pan Fried Sea Bass and Taster Plate of Summer fruits were exquisitely presented.
Second place went to Abigail Moore, 15, from Sheffield College and third place went to Roxanne Fellows, 16, from Worcester College.
The runners up, in no particular order, were Melissa Heys, 14, from Accrington & Rossendale College, who was happy to have her mum, Penny, joining her, who made it back from Prague just in time after delays caused by the Volcano, James O’Carrol, 14, from Carlisle College and Jade Douglas, 15, from Henley College.
All contestants were awarded cash prizes and signed copies of Gary Rhodes cookbooks as well as plaques, knife packs and chef whites.
“All of you are winners” Gary said.
Gary also spoke fondly of his time at the college:
“Had I not trained at Thanet College I wouldn’t have achieved what I have today. The enthusiasm of the lecturers has driven me on and inspired my passion for cooking. The College is also where I met the love of my life over 30 years ago.
It’s incredible to watch these young chefs, so focused and with an unbelievable knowledge of food. Foods that I’d never even heard of at your age!
I’d like to thank the Principal and Head of Catering Roger Phillips for providing this opportunity for young cooks who want to become part of this exciting industry.”