Students impress top chefs!

TWELVE Frome College Year 10 students took part in the Rotary Chef Competition 2018 on Monday 26th November.

The students competed against each other to win a place in the regional finals, which will take place after Christmas.

This national event gives students the opportunity to cook and present to a very high standard, and then be judged by top chefs. Their brief was to cook a healthy 3-course meal in 2 hours for under £20. 

Emily McMunn, teacher of food said, “This was a difficult task, but they all rose to the challenge, and the standard of presentation and commitment from our students was outstanding. 

“The day began with prepping the room and kitchen. Each student was given their own workspace for presentation, and they looked like professional chefs with their personalised chef whites, supplied by the very generous Gracewell.

“Each student worked calmly and professionally, while judges Sam Perrett and James Morrison from Orchardleigh Estate and Simon Lewis from Gracewell walked amongst them with strict marking criteria.”  

Chef Sam Perrett, who previously worked at the Pony & Trap in Chew Magna said, “I was amazed at how hard the students worked. The standards were very high, and there were some outstanding dishes presented.”

Emily McMunn continued, “The tension in the kitchen was immense but none of them faltered, and each presented their dishes with enthusiasm and flourish – the quality of the dishes was outstanding.

“After a full hour of tasting and deliberation, the overall winner was announced as Maddie Blackburn. She now goes on to the regional finals against other local schools and colleges.

“Izzy Hobbs, Sam Oliver and Polly Thomas, all received ‘highly commended’ for recognition of their individual dishes on the day.

I am so very proud of their achievement and a real credit to Frome College. Congratulations to all those who took part.

“We would like to thank the generosity of Frome Rotary Club, Gracewell and our guest judges, for giving us this opportunity and who supported the students on the day.”