Congratulations to 14 year old Jordon Powell from Horsham who has won the final of this year’s RIBI Young Chef competition at Gloucestershire College. Thousands of youngsters from all over Great Britain and Ireland entered the competition, which is held in association with leading olive oil brand, Filippo Berio.
Jordon, who is sponsored by the Rotary Club of Horsham, beat off stiff competition from seven other finalists to win the trophy and top prizes. All the finalists were racing against the clock to create a healthy three course meal for under £15 in just two hours.
Jordon’s winning menu was:
Mackerel with blood orange textures, rump of hogget with dauphinoise pomme puree, roasted celery and carrot, wilted garlic spinach and roasted pine nut and lamb sauce followed by apple panna cotta, cinnamon pancake and apple puree.
For his prize, Jordon received a cheque for £250 and a trip to Italy courtesy of Filippo Berio, where he will experience real Italian cooking. He will also receive a day’s cooking tuition at a top London restaurant.
Jordon said: “Winning the competition means a lot to me. It would not have been possible without the inspirational chefs at the South Lodge Hotel where I spent time after winning the regional heat in the competition. Being with them has changed the way I see and use food and I can’t wait to learn new things.”
Rotarian Gwenda Griffiths, who organises the RIBI Young Chef competition said: “This competition produces outstanding quality dishes. I have seen super starters, magical mains and delightful desserts. I did not envy the judges task of picking one winner. I hope that this competition encourages more young people to eat well, grow up with a love of good healthy food and a desire to learn more cooking skills.”
