Thanet College student wins
National Junior Chef
2010!
 |
| TV chef Gary Rhodes with Junior Chef winner, Matthew
Cowell, 16 |
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.
Abigail Moore, 15, from Sheffield College was
runner up and Roxanne Fellows, 16 from Worcester College was
awarded third place. Melissa Heys, 14, from Accrington and
Rossendale College came fourth and was happy to have her mum Penny
joining her who made it back from Prague just in time after delays
caused by the Volcano. Fifth place went to James O’Carrol, 14, from
Carlisle College and sixth to 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.”