Hammersmith schoolgirl wins young chef of the year

A Hammersmith schoolgirl is sitting pretty at the top table after being crowned the boroughs young chef of the year.

Jessica Hall, from Godolphin & Latymer Girls? School in King Street, impressed judges at the annual event on February 25 with her menu of a bruschetta starter followed by Chicken Marbella and rice.

In all seven finalists from schools across the borough ?cooked off? at Ealing, Hammersmith & West London College?s TASTE restaurant in Barons? Court.

Fifteen-year-old Jessica was awarded a trophy, an Apple iTouch and accessories. She said: ?It was wonderful to work in the College?s kitchens ? they are of the same standard as a real restaurant and I was thrilled to win. I hope that I will be able to use this achievement in the future.?

The other finalists were Mohamed Mohamed from Phoenix High, Taylor Wond from Wood Lane High, Maria Geanaracos from The Moat, Dominique Lucien from the White City Young People's Development Programme, Stefan Morgan from the Bridge Academy, and Sophia Bennecib from Fulham Cross Girls? School. None of them left empty handed, with each receiving a trophy and HMV vouchers.

The seven H&F pupils, aged 14-16, had to create a healthy meal on a budget of ?6 using safe food preparation. The schools held heats and chose their winner, who then prepared two courses in one hour. The meal is marked on taste, presentation, healthy ingredients, food safety, and safe working practices ? often known as kitchen craft. This year?s judges included Robert Carrauthers and John Ream from the college, and West End chef Nicolas Kummar.

Deputy mayor of Hammersmith & Fulham, Cllr Adronie Alford, presented the awards. She said: "I trained as a cook myself and am passionate about food. I was extremely impressed with the high standards of preparation and presentation by these young contestants; they are to be congratulated."

Cllr Greg Smith, cabinet member for crime and street scene, was also a guest at the final. He said: ?This competition allows young people to get creative with food and gives them a real goal to aim for. The calibre of the contestants shows just how talented these young chefs are and who knows, maybe there is a future Michelin star winner amongst them!?

Principal of Ealing, Hammersmith & West London College, Paula Whittle, said: ?One of our fundamental aims as a college is to offer a holistic approach to learning. We want to ensure that whilst learning essential skills, young people are also given the opportunity to learn about healthy eating, budgeting and time management.

?The Young Chef of the Year event is a fantastic way of doing this and our partnership with Hammersmith & Fulham Council gives young people from schools across the borough access to our industry standard facilities and the chance to see what colleges can offer them. Congratulations to all entrants and in particular Jessica for her winning menu.?