Chef for a day

Before Christmas, students from Ashford School took part in the KENT Young Chef Competition, held by 'Produced in Kent' and sponsored by KFF foods.

With 184 entries to the competition, Ashford School entered 89 students for their chance to show their skills in the kitchen.

From the initial entries there were 8 finalists split into 4 juniors (Years 7 & 8) and 4 seniors (years 9,10 & 11)

Lana Foyle and Georgina Bishop both in year 8 made up 2 of the junior finalists and competed at Thanet college on Friday the 27th November with Lana cooking a lamb casserole with mashed potatoes and vegetables and Georgina producing pheasant with dauphinois potatoes and savoy cabbage.

The compare was Neil Buchanan from Art Attack fame and the chief judge was Richard Phillips from Ready Steady cook fame. Richard, chief judge said that the standard of work was excellent but chose a lamb with chocolate mint sauce as the winner.

One of their prizes for the finalists was a day in on of the three professional kitchens owned by Executive Chef, Richard Phillips and Georgina has just completed her special day out and written a short summary below on her experience of Chapel Down Restaurant, Tenterden

"The girls did brilliantly just to get as far as they did and we are hoping to organise for Georgina to spend another day at the restaurant during the Easter Holidays. The Executive Chef told us she would be welcome back at any time!" Lisa Bishop, mum.

Summary from Georgina:

Wow, what a fantastic experience!

I was made to feel extremely welcome by all the staff. I felt like a true professional wearing the uniform that I was provided with. I spent my time helping out with vegetables, learning how to make pasta, and desserts. I also had the opportunity of plating up some meals. My time was brought to a close by me serving my parents and grand-parents with their dessert. I was then treated to a wonderful meal.

The Head Chef has said that I would be welcome to go back at any time as he thought I had worked so well, and was a joy to have in his kitchen. I would like to thank Richard Phillips and the team for organising such a great day. Thank you.

Georgina Bishop, Year 8