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A team of young Jersey chefs are looking to defend their title in a sizzling competition challenging them to cook up a storm against UK competitors that got underway yesterday.
Annual culinary competition ‘Heat’, which is hosted by Highlands College and supported by Skills Jersey and Samphire restaurant, returned yesterday afternoon.
This year’s competition will see participants from Middlesbrough, Farnborough and Bangor (NI) competing against each other for a chance to secure the Peter Queree Memorial Cup for their team.
The students taking part have competed against some of the top colleges in the UK for an opportunity to take part in an event that has come to be beloved by the National Craft Guild of Chefs.
Pictured: The judges of Heat.
Taking the helm for team Jersey is Lee Smith, Michelin-starred head chef at local restaurant Samphire, alongside chef lecturer Dominic Farrel. The leaders will be armed with a team of eight young hopefuls.
Mr Smith said: “I am really looking forward to leading the Jersey team and working alongside the talent of the future. The Jersey Team won last year so the pressure is on and the competition is of a very high standard, with some of the top colleges in the UK competing.”
According to the rules, each competing college must create a three-course lunch or dinner that will be judged by four veterans of the culinary arts:
Yesterday, they were served by the front of house students who were marked on their level and quality of service, while Highlands College media students documented the events.
Yesterday, the Jersey group concocted a number of courses pushing their cooking innovation skills to the maximum. Their dessert was a rhubarb, ginger and apple sponge, served with rhubarb ice cream and duck egg custard.
While they're here, visiting chefs from other areas will be treated to a tour of the island, which will see them talk with local suppliers, sample produce fresh from the source, and really get a feel for what Jersey cuisine has to offer.
Final results will be announced at a Gala dinner hosted by Radio 2 presenter and food and drink journalist, Nigel Barden, on Thursday 7 March at St. Brelade’s Bay Hotel.
Mr Barden commented: “I’m delighted to be visiting Jersey and to be involved with the Heat culinary competition. It allows some of the UK’s finest catering students; chefs and front of house, to exhibit their talents in a pressurised situation.
"Any competition organised by the Craft Guild of Chefs highly respected in the industry, as the Guild epitomises the professionalism, talent and work ethic required to succeed in the world of catering. Good luck to everyone taking part.”
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