Budding chefs feel the heat in school cookery competition

Contestants in the Bermuda Young Chef of the Year contest will have the chance to cook for some of the island’s best chefs in a series of heats and finals.

The contest is open to students aged 12 to 16 and has been organized by Laura Knight, Food and Nutrition teacher at Warwick Academy.

She hopes the challenge will encourage children to look at a career in the kitchen.

“This competition aims to encourage young people to develop cookery skills, food presentation and healthy eating options,” she said. “It will also give the children the chance to prove their organizational skills and their ability to cope in a demanding situation.”

The event is sponsored by Fairmont Southampton Resort, which will provide prizes for the winner and runner-up.

Hygiene

The first round of heats takes place at Warwick Academy between April 30 and May 10.

The budding chefs will have to prepare, cook and serve a two-course meal for two people that costs less than $40.

The judges will mark the dishes on planning, range of skills, hygiene, use of time, taste and presentation. The winners will then go through to the finals, to be held at Bermuda College on May 21.

The finalists will all get a white cotton apron and chef’s hat to compete in. The competition is free to enter and finalists will be reimbursed for the costs of their ingredients.

Ms Knight said: “It will be a wonderful day while promoting the essential culinary skills.

“We are incredibly grateful to Fairmont Southampton and the Bermuda College for embracing the idea and supporting Warwick Academy and the Bermuda Young Chef of the Year competition.”