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Rotary Young Chef Competition 2010 - 3rd March 2010
Jordanstown Schools pupil Joel Donnan was one of only 8 budding young chefs to be selected for the all Ireland finals of this year’s prestigious Rotary Club Young Chef Competition.
The brief for the competition was to plan a healthy 3 course meal for two people on a budget of no more than £16.80. Joel’s menu included a tasty, low fat fish dish and both seasonal and local produce.
GCSE Home Economics pupil Joel travelled to Dublin on Saturday 27th February to take part in the finals which were held in the Failte Ireland training kitchens.
Along with the other finalists who had travelled from Cork, Limerick, Down and Armagh he had to prepare his three course meal in just two hours under the watchful eye of three judges. On hand to oversee the pupils was Irish TV Chef Matt Dowling.
Joel proved to be an unflappable cook and produced his dishes without any hiccups despite the fact that it was a large, unfamiliar catering kitchen very unlike the Home Economics room here in school.
Once the dishes were displayed in the dining area, the judges tasted and deliberated behind closed doors for half an hour. When the competition entrants were finally called in to hear the result, they were all presented with a complimentary ‘goody bag’. This contained a cook book, apron, chocolates, olive oil and pesto as well as other useful kitchen equipment.
The winner was a girl from Down High School; however the judges complimented all of the young chefs on the very high standard of their cooking and their ability to work under pressure. The judges also took time to speak to some of the individual pupils about their dishes which was very helpful. Joel was told that he had some ‘raw talent’ and great ideas for flavours and was encouraged to keep cooking.
The competition was a challenging learning experience for all the young chefs involved. The GCSE practical exam, which Joel will undertake next year, involves cooking a three course meal within a time limit so this was excellent preparation.
Well done Joel, you took it all in your laid back stride we are very proud of you!
Jordanstown Schools News Desk
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