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Young Chefs compete for Rotary Regional Finals

Eastleigh College hosted this year's Rotary District Young Chef competition in the College's Red Carpet Restaurant and kitchens. This is an annual event organised by members of the Rotary Club Romsey Test, ahead of Regional Final, also to be held at Eastleigh College in early March.

16 talented young people from schools across the region took part in the contest, producing their own three course menu costing no more than £14.00. They presented them to a panel of four judges, made up of the College's chefs and lecturers, Alan Humphrey and Rob Strachan, along with Charlie Crocker from BBC Radio Solent and Rotary District Governor, Richard Maunder. The winner, with Seared Pigeon breast followed by Pan fried Bass with Crab Risotto, and a dessert of Champagne Rhubarb and Ginger Crumble, was 13 year old Jack Young, from Ryde, Isle of Wight. Jack was the youngest of the 16 competitors. Runner-up Charlotte Hatton from the Godolphin School, Salisbury, produced a main course of Baked Loin of Venison served with Juniper Berries and Rosemary jus followed by a Chocolate Fondant dessert.

Eastleigh College's Lecturer and Chef, Alan Humphrey, was impressed by the real flair shown by the youngsters and said:
"The standard was the highest so far and it was a difficult task to separate the winner and runner ups. I wish the winner, Jack Young, well in the next round and feel that he is the best young chef that I have seen for a long time."

Both Jack and Charlotte will go through to the Regional Final in March, when they will be up against six other contestants from Cornwall, Devon and Dorset. The winner will then go forward to Rotary National Final in Hitchin in May.

The College's Red Carpet Restaurant is open to the public for three course lunches from £4.75 and four course dinners from £12.75 per head. For menu information and reservations call 023 891 1053.

Release date 18/02/2009