Wiktor Wamberski and Leoni Francis took part in the regional heats of the Future Chef Competition this week.  In preparation for the competition Leoni and Wiktor had to design a 2 course meal that cost no more than £7 in ingredients.  In addition they had to create a time plan to help them prepare for the meal.

On Thursday 5th December the regional heats took place at St Edmund’s Catholic Academy.  The day was judged by 2 professional chefs who were looking at taste, texture, appearance, ingredient choice, skills and the organisation of all contestants.

On the day Leoni and Wiktor were joined in the regional final by two other schools; Ellowes Hall from Dudley and St Thomas Aquinas Catholic School in Birmingham. In total there were 5 students taking part in this regional heat here at St Edmund’s.  Students were then given 90 minutes to cook their planned dishes.  

During the time Wiktor and Leoni showed excellent levels of organisation and determination.  Several problems arose during the time but both students showed calmness under pressure and worked through these issues.  Both Wiktor and Leoni put a lot of thought and care into their dishes and gained inspiration from family recipes. They demonstrated a high level of skill, Leoni making Jamaican Jerk chicken wings with rice and salad and for dessert she baked marble cupcakes.  Wiktor created a chicken curry with rice and to follow baked a batch of cookies. 

Both students worked extremely hard and put in a huge amount of effort  and really did themselves, the Design and Technology Department and St Edmund’s Catholic Academy proud.  Despite this massive effort they did not make it into the next round of the competition but received really high praise from the judges.  Both students received a certificate and cookbook for their participation in the competition.