The search is on… The search is underway for the LACA (Lead Association for CAtering in Education) School Chef of the Year 2016. Four school chefs from the South West, including Tracy Dawson (Cook at Local Food Links’ Blandford kitchen), will be striving to win the regional title of LACA South West School Chef of the Year 2016 at the Regional Final which is being held on Tuesday 19 January 2016 at City College Plymouth. The South West winner will go on to compete against nine other regional champions in the National Final which is to be held in March 2016.
The winning dishes that secured Tracy’s place in the Regional Final are a celebration of American Independence Day: Southern- style Chicken, Ranch Mash, Salsa Sauce & Corn on the Cob followed by Chocolate Orange Cheesecake. It is a menu that complies with the new School Food standards and Tracy has just one and a half hours to create the two course meal from scratch.
As well as testing the finalists on their preparation, cooking, creativity and presentation skills, the competition also aims to show parents the high quality of school meals today and the contribution they not only make to the health and wellbeing of their children, but also their physical and educational attainment.
Local Food Links is proud to be leading the huge improvements that have taken place within school catering in Dorset over the last decade. Chief Executive Caroline Morgan said:
We are incredibly proud of Tracy and delighted that she is representing Local Food Links at the South West Regional Final. Tracy has been part of the LFL Team for 7 years and works in our Blandford Kitchen. Tracy’s attention to detail, positive attitude and natural cooking ability are greatly valued by both her team and the organisation. We wish her lots of luck for the competition.