Success for cookery students in RisoGallo chef competition
The Scottish Regional Heat in the Gallo Young Risotto Chef competition was held at West Lothian College recently with outstanding results for our students.
The following students represented the college Ben Smith and Jennifer Forgrave from the HNC Professional Cookery and Katie Shaw and Thomas Marks from the Level 6 course.
Ben won first place in the competition meaning he’ll be heading to London in April for the final. Jennifer and another young chef from City of Glasgow College received the runner up prize of a three-day placement with the amazing chef judges Andy Beattie, Head of production and product development at Home by Nico and Fraser Cameron, Scottish Young Chef of the year winner 2021.
The students gathered in one of the colleges training kitchens and created a variety of risotto dishes for the judges. Some of the flavours featured in the dishes included sea food, pesto and even a controversial sweet and fruity risotto.
On his win Ben said: “I’m really excited, I was a little worried because when I tasted my dish it wasn’t as good as when I made it yesterday but I’m glad the judges liked it.”
Hospitality lecturer Audrey Buckley said: “Industry competitions inspire our students to do their best – not just to do enough. When students compete, they become more inquisitive, complete research independently, and learn to work with others and strive to do more than is required. These abilities prepare our students for future situations in work and home life.”
The Grand Final will be held at The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on the 4th April 2022 and we wish Ben the best of luck!