Kieron wins cooking crown
Tuesday Februay 22, 2011
Kieron Joseph from The Bridge Academy is celebrating after being named Hammersmith & Fulham Young Chef of the Year.
Kieron, 14, beat five other students to the title – becoming the first student from the Bridge Academy to win – after impressing judges with his menu of honey balsamic lamb cutlets, sautéed sweet potato, creamy leeks with apricots and avocado, pomegranate and rocket salad.
“I’ve always wanted to be a chef,” said Keiron, “I love being in a kitchen, I love the pressure and it’s a thrill to see the reactions on people’s faces when they are enjoying your food.
“Eventually I want to become a chef and have my own chain of West Indian themed restaurants. I’m really ambitious and hope to be able to get some work experience soon to improve my practical skills and continue on to college. Winning this award has been a big boost for me.”
Kieron was presented with an iPod and a glass trophy by H&F Mayor, Cllr Adronie Alford, who said: “It is incredibly important to teach young people how to eat healthily and how to cook. It is a vital life skill and something you never lose – and of course you can make a fantastic career out of it. All the contestants made wonderful meals but Kieron’s really was outstanding.”
The annual event, held at Ealing, Hammersmith & West London College in partnership with Hammersmith & Fulham Council, aims to get young people interested in cooking. The competition also encourages the students to create healthy dishes under tight deadlines – an essential skill needed to progress in the catering trade.
The other contestants were Liban Abdullahi, Hurlingham & Chelsea School; Nazam Shadman, Wood Lane High School; Theo El-Kattan, Latymer Upper School; Bea Duncan, Godolphin & Latymer and Leaha James, Young People Development Programme.
The judges were Nicholas Kummer, manager of Royal National Hotel in Russell Square, Louise Warner, chef at Brasserie James and David Burtenshaw-Hussey, events coordinator at Ealing, Hammersmith & West London College.
David said: “All of the entries were really impressive and it was a tight call to decide on the winner. Some of the competitors used very advanced techniques for their age.”
