Budding chefs ‘really nervous’ for cook-off
Two budding chefs are heading to Auckland for a catering competition that could see them win the food experience of a lifetime.
Spotswood College students Catriona Oates and Mikaela Phillips-Nassif are taking part in the National Secondary Schools Culinary Challenge, and if they are successful in next Tuesday’s grand final they will be on their way to see Sydney’s catering industry - and dine in some of its top restaurants.
The pair, both aged 15, are the youngest in the competition, which is taking place at the Manukau Institute of Technology under a judging panel that includes lecturers, restaurant owners, chefs and Ben Bayly, from the My Kitchen Rules TV show.
‘‘We’re both really nervous,’’ Catriona said.
‘‘Our teacher knew that me and Mikaela really like to cook and they asked us if we were up for it.’’
The Year 11 pair won their place in the final through a 90-minute kitchen cook-off.
For the final - in which they will be competing against students in years 12 and 13 - they have been practising an entree of silverbeet and yoghurt soup finished with crispy lamb dumplings and fresh chives, and a main course that includes pan seared supreme of chicken and roasted baby vegetables.
They also prepared by cooking their dishes for 30 people as part of a fundraising evening at the college.
‘‘We have been cooking them a lot,’’ Catriona said.
‘‘We both want to be chefs or something to do with food. We want to be involved with it. It’s something we both love to do.’’
If they impress the judging panel and win the top prize, the two students and their teacher will by flown to Sydney for an exclus- ive catering experience.
This will involve seeing behind the scenes of the city’s catering industry, dining at top restaurants and visiting food markets.
They will also win gift packs and a $2000 scholarship towards a City & Guilds international catering qualification. The prize package, which includes items such as a new cooker for the winning school, is worth over $17,000.
Spotswood College hospitality teacher, Simon Houghton, said the pair had been putting in a huge effort in the run-up to the final.
‘‘They are very excited about the final cook-off and I am confident they will be ready for it.’’