News

Elise Mabbutt impressed the judges at the South East regional Finals.

Elise Mabbutt, 14, recently attended North Hertfordshire College for the penultimate round in the Rotary Young Chef competition. Elise had fought off fierce competition in the previous rounds and this round was bringing the best together from the South East region. The next step would be the National final!

For her starter, Elise made celeriac remoulade with walnut halves, apple croutons and sultanas soaked in orange juice. The main course was salmon en croute with salsa verde served with pea shoots and carrot ribbons and the pudding course was rhubarb delice.

The competition was fierce and the working conditions were extremely challenging. The final decisions were really hard, with the judges taking a long time to deliberate and Denniss Lusnikovs, nearly 4 years her senior, won the final by a very narrow margin. The judges were very complimentary to Elise and the other competitors stating that this was the closest year that they had ever had in terms of making a final decision.

Elise was presented with an embroidered apron, a large bag of olive oils and olives and a gift voucher. Elise came out smiling and full of determination saying that next year she will do it, she will get to that final!

Since the competition Elise was asked to give a 20 minute talk to the local Rotary club about her experience in the competition. Her talk was hugely successful and in addition to this she was also interviewed by the Eastern Evening News. 

Many congratulations Elise. We are all really proud of your tremendous achievement and we look forward to next year!