Seven cooking enthusiasts aged between 13 and 16 battled it out in the kitchens of the Abraham Darby Academy in the national final of Rotary Young Chef 2018, but there could only be one winner.
The judges tasted dishes, examined the presentation and the methods used, and after much deliberation chose their champion.
Huge congratulations to Kitty Grosse, 15, sponsored by Fleet Rotary, who was named as the victor on Saturday 28th April in Telford.
The competition attracted nearly 3,000 entrants across Great Britain and Ireland, which is an indication of the skill and talent needed to get through to the national final.
Kitty is thrilled to have won, “I was so surprised to find out that I had won as I didn’t think I’d get to the finals to say the least!”
“I was filled with nerves but when I found my feet there was no holding me back. I am really proud of my panna cotta dessert.”
“I am thankful to Rotary in Fleet which has supported me all the way. I am planning to go into the food industry and winning this national competition has given me a real boost in confidence.”
“My friends at St Nicholas School are so happy for me but I think they just want me to make my panna cotta for them!”
The task for the young chefs is to cook a healthy three-course meal for two people, with a time limit of two hours and a modest budget.
I am planning to go into the food industry and winning this national competition has given me a real boost in confidence.”
Seems easy, but it becomes harder when put into action as each round gets increasingly intense.
Now in its 18th year, the competition is proving a huge success.
The Rotary Young Chef competition was created to give young individuals across Great Britain and Ireland a chance to showcase their skills in the kitchen.
Kitty Grosse (left) with fellow finalists Lorena Dawes and Tom Atkinson
The heat is off for Kitty now as she looks forward to enjoying her prize, a trip to Tuscany’s Toscana Saporita Cooking School, courtesy of sponsors Filippo Berio, “I am super excited about my trip to Italy and I look forward to learning some new recipes and meeting new people.”
“It has also been amazing to have the honour of being the winner of the Rotary Young Chef competition and I would like to thank everyone involved for all the feedback and encouragement throughout the rounds.”
Find out how she gets on via our Twitter and Facebook.
The 2019 round of competitions will be occurring from September to December 2018. Potential participants can contact their local Rotary club for more information.
The interest by young people in cooking is incredible and highly valued by UK’s favourite olive oil Filippo Berio, shown by their generous prizes, first place entailing is a two-day trip to Tuscany- staying at Toscana Saporita learning and cooking traditional Tuscan recipes taught by the very talented chef Sandra Lotti.
Kitty will also enjoy a morning of truffle hunting and a little sightseeing of Pisa.
Kitty’s winning menu
To start: Smoked haddock and leek tartlet
For mains: Pork wrapped in bacon with a vermouth sauce served with gratin dauphinoise, Romanesco cauliflower and braised carrots.
Sweet treat: Rosewater panna cotta served with tuile biscuits
