Local Food Links chef, Chris Plowman-Hart, hopes to become top of the class when he competes against the cream of school cooks in the South West Regional Final of this year’s LACA School Chef of the Year competition.
Competitors will have 90 minutes to prepare, cook and serve an imaginative two-course menu that complies with the School Food Standards. Chris hopes that his menu of a Fragrant Indian Banquet and Orange Blossom and Mango Cheesecake will be the winning one, a menu planned with the knowledge that curry was voted as the nation’s favourite school meal last year.
Chris’ Fragrant Indian Banquet comprises a marinated boneless chicken thigh with a delicately spiced aubergine curry, sunshine rice, homemade naan bread, dressed courgette ribbons and a cool mint raita dip.
“I have worked as a chef for more than 20 years and can honestly say that working for Local Food Links is the best job I have ever had! I love working in a school, cooking nutritious meals from scratch and seeing pupils enjoy their lunches; And as a Dad I also know the importance of making sure that meals look appetising because children really do eat with their eyes!”
Caroline Morgan, Chief Executive, said:
“We are all very proud of Chris and will be rooting for him on the day. Not only is this competition hugely enjoyable, but it is also provides a great opportunity for caterers to showcase just how good their school meals are.”