Young Chef Champions 2008
National Champion
Kate Rooke from Priory Sports and Technology College in Preston has been crowned The Quality Standard beef and lamb Young Chef Challenge 2009 National Champion by celebrity chef James Martin.
Last December Kate battled it out against 8 other regional finalists in the North West in a cook-off where students had only one hour to prepare, cook and plate up their own original recipe using Quality Standard beef mince, which was then judged by celebrity chef James Martin and Denise Spencer-Walker, Food Advisor from EBLEX.
Kate wowed the judges to win the North West regional heat with her recipe for Kofta kebabs served with paprika chips, raita and hot tomato chutney. Kate beat stiff competition from the other regional winners and was chosen by James to be crowned this year's National Champion.
Kate's amazing prize for winning the National title included a trip to London to watch James filming his popular Saturday cookery programme, a chance to experience the lunchtime service in a top London restaurant, followed by dinner with James in a Michelin Star restaurant to allow her to understand all sides of restaurant life! Kate also received some spending money while she was in London and her school - Priory Sports and Technology College - will receive kitchen equipment vouchers to help build more Young Chefs of the future.
Speaking about being named this year's national champion, Kate said: "I had such a great day in London, I can't believe it! I couldn't pick the best bit as it's all been so good.
"My day with James has really inspired me to carry on cooking because I didn't realise there are so many jobs in the food industry - for example, working as a home economist on TV, like on the Saturday Kitchen show.
"I am definitely going to carry on in cooking and pursue a career in food. After today I realise that there are so many jobs available in the food industry. Even if I don't choose to cook I can relate any job to food, which I love, like journalism for example. It's been so interesting and I can't wait to tell everyone about it!"
Leeds Winner
Sophie Goose for her Mexican Meatballs with Tomato Rice.
Birmingham Winner
Ryan Powell for his Minced Meat Parcels with Honey and Mustard Dip
Bristol Winner
May Liddell-Grainger for her Bobotie in Filo Pastry served with a refreshing lettuce and cucumber.
Reading Winner
Rachael Swain for her Pan Fried Moroccan Minced Beef with Spinach served with Roasted Tomatoes with Coriander Butter and Wholemeal Pitta.
Cambridge Winner
Beckie Tedder for her Bolognaise Boats.
James Martin, Denise Spencer Walker, and Quality Standard's 'Beefy' character presented the winners with professional chef whites and signed certificates confirming their status as Young Chef Regional Winners as well as £200 worth of school equipment vouchers.
James Martin commented: "A huge congratulations to all the winners! They all scored top marks for producing an original, nutritious dish that tasted superb and was presented with real flair. All the contestants were passionate and knowledgeable and it was a difficult choice.
"The great thing about this challenge is it encourages youngsters to really think about their food. This year, the standard has been higher than ever and I've been thoroughly impressed by the level of enthusiasm and interest in the students and am sure we have not seen the last of these gifted individuals!"