Young Chef

Talented young chefs bring the heat at Rotary Young Chef Competition.

Budding chefs as young as thirteen displayed their talents to an impressed [audience and judging panel] in the first round of the Rotary Young Chef Competition hosted by Havant Rotary.

After an entertaining morning of cooking, Oliver Rushforth age 13, emerged victorious with his two-course meal which blew the judges away.

The competition aims to encourage young people to cook healthy meals on a budget by challenging them to prepare a meal in two hours with just £16 worth of ingredients. It also benefits young people by teaching them skills in organisation as well as improving their ability to cope under pressure.

The schools competing this year included Hayling College and Park Community School. Organiser and past President Bill Taylor commented, “It’s so inspiring to see so many talented young chefs excelling in a competition environment. After a challenging couple of years for everyone, it really is encouraging that competitions like this are still running this successfully and proving Rotary can be a real force in improving the futures of young people.”

After winning the competition, Oliver was “chuffed to bits”. He had every right to be pleased with his efforts.

The Rotary Young Chef Competition is a successful and well-established event that has supported the careers of several young cooks organised by Rotary Great Britain and Ireland and sponsored by Filippo Berio.

After winning the local heat, the winners will now go on to the second of four stages on the road to the national final, where they will face off in the same tasks against the winners from other schools from South East Hampshire at Havant & South Downs College Department of Hospitality & Catering on Saturday 28th January.

The Rotary Young Chef Competition is one of eight nationwide competitions for young people ages 11-17 that are organised by Rotary in Great Britain and Ireland every year.

These competitions are a great way for young people to be challenged in a fun and friendly environment and Rotary is committed to offering those young people opportunities to unlock their potential, develop their skills and broaden their horizons.

If you would like to get involved in next year’s competition contact Bill Taylor to find out more.