2015 SW School chef of the year winner

Seven chefs have battled it out in a cook-off to be crowned a South West School Chef of the Year.

Plymouth’s own Sharon Cundell, from St Edward’s Church of England Primary School in Eggbuckland, went up against six other chefs from the region for the Lead Association for Catering in Education, South West School Chef of the Year title.

Sharon was up against Katie Cooper from Cornwall, Jodie Pearce from Devon, Rebecca Clark from Bristol, Jackie Hardman from North Somerset, Jane Thomas and Tasha Watts from Somerset.

She was the overall winner with her menu of Taste of Thailand Chicken Delight – a mild red curry with brown rice and local seasonal vegetables followed by Tastebud Tingling Lime and Coconut Loaf – a zingy Caribbean lime and coconut cake with raspberries and cooling crème fraiche and a theme of Fair Trade.

Other finalist menus included main courses entitled Somerset Pork Pattie with Rustic Tomato Sauce and Spicy Chips and A Curious Tea Party – a savoury muffin with a twist.
Desserts ranged from Chocolate and Ice Cream Cone and Fruity Crunch Crumple – a tropical crumble with a coconut sauce.

Councillor Sue McDonald, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Public Health, said: "I was amazed at the standard of cooking and presentation here today from all of the contestants.  I’d like to thank Sharon for representing our Education Catering Service and Plymouth in the South West regional heat of School Chef of the Year.

“Her menu sounded absolutely delicious and it just goes to show what wonders can be achieved with good ingredients, imagination and talent.  This is another brilliant result for our School Meals Service. 

“Our education catering Service is award-winning having achieved the Gold Soil Association Catering Mark, the Good Egg Award and Education Caterer of the Year. The standard of meals throughout schools in the city is extremely high and school meal take up has increased as a result.”

School Chef of the Year is exclusively for those in the education catering sector and  aims to showcase the high standards of skill, creativity and professionalism amongst school caterers.

It is open to all kitchen based staff employed by organisations that are full members of the Lead Association for Catering in Education and are involved with the daily preparation of school meals.
Sharon Cundell will now go on to take part in the 2014 National Final in May 2014.