The Isle of Wight’s Wendy Lohse is set to compete in the South East regional final of the School Chef of the Year Competition tomorrow (Thursday).
The LACA School Chef of the Year Competition has been the flagship event for school chefs to showcase their professional skills for 25 years. It is organised by LACA – The School Food People and is sponsored by McDougalls, owned by Premier Foods.
Wendy, who works for Caterlink across schools on the Island, will be competing against 5 other chefs from Hampshire, Kent and Surrey when they all come together at Premier Foods in St Albans on 23rd January.
Against the clock and under the scrutiny of a panel of judges, they will have to prepare, cook and present 4 portions of a 2-course meal suitable for serving to 11-year-olds in primary or secondary schools. They will have 90 minutes and a maximum spend of £1.30 is allowed for the cost of a single meal (i.e. one main course and dessert).
Wendy will be cooking up a smoked 5-spice pork stirfry – smoked pork loin with fresh egg noodles. For dessert, Wendy is hoping to wow the judges with a Banana Wonton – fresh wontons filled with banana and dried apricots served with blackberries, a cardamon chocolate dipping sauce and blackberry coulis.
The line up of dishes on this year’s contestants’ menus is not only impressive but also demonstrates the exceptional culinary expertise of today’s school chefs. Ingredients, flavours and adventurous themes have been from both home and abroad.
The winner from this regional heat will go on to represent the South East against 9 other Regional Champions plus 2 judges’ wild card competitors, in the National Final which is to be held on 5th March 2020.
Good luck Wendy!
She’s such a talent bringing health, nutrition, and fun to the students! She will win!!
Absolutely so proud of her.