North West FutureChef Success

Posted at 11:06 am on 25th February, 2020

Daniel wins Second Place in Prestigious Cooking Competition

Year 11 student, Daniel, won second place in the North West regional final of the Springboard FutureChef competition.  He qualified by winning the East Manchester heat in December. 

On January 31st, Daniel joined 10 other regional winners at UCLAN University to cook up a restaurant quality menu.

The competition, which celebrates and inspires culinary talent, partnered students with a professional mentor.  Daniel met regularly with Anthony Poole, Sous Chef at Manchester United at bi-weekly meetings at the stadium restaurant kitchens.

Daniel had the opportunity to work alongside Anthony and perfect his competition menu by testing out different recipes and variations in preparation, taste and presentation. 

GCSE Food and Nutrition student Daniel said:

“It was a fantastic opportunity to work in a professional kitchen alongside an industry chef.  Manchester United have offered me an apprentice chef role when I have finished my GCSEs.”

On the day, Daniel presented a menu of a chicken and wild mushroom tortellini with a sage brown butter followed by a trio of creme brulee with cardamom biscuits.

Judges included chefs from industry restaurants such as Everton FC,  the Hilton, Crowne Plaza and the Mere resort and they scored competitors on workmanship, skills and techniques; composition, taste and flavour; as well as creativity and presentation. 

Mrs Jones, Teacher of Food and Nutrition, said:

“Daniel did so well to place second. The competition was so tight, the judges said they don't normally see such high standards until the National Final!  All competitors were of a very high calibre and Daniel was just pipped to the post on the day; he received excellent feedback.” 

Daniel added:

“The competition was really good and very tense, with lots of judges tasting and commenting on our dishes.  The feedback for my menu was good. They said it was a professional, quality menu and they especially loved my main dish as it was well put together, well seasoned and had excellent flavour.”