Local lad wins Derbyshire Student Chef of the Year
Chesterfield pupil Ryan Bruce has been crowned Derbyshire Student Chef of the Year at ceremony held at The Dome in Buxton.
The proud 15-year-old won the title on the back of his freshly-made sweet and sour chicken and wholegrain rice followed by chocolate, orange and raspberry cake.
Dishes had to include some seasonal, local produce, reflect cultural diversity and be suitable for serving to 14-year-olds in school.
To be named overall winner Ryan, who studies at Whittington Green School, also had to ensure his menu for two was on budget at just £2 per head.
Open to students from years 9 to 11, the competition − now in its fifth year − was organised by Derbyshire County Council’s school catering service.
Ryan was presented with a certificate, trophy and £100 of shopping vouchers from Councillor Caitlin Bisknell, deputy cabinet member for children and young people, who praised all winners and finalists for their fantastic culinary skills.
A spokesperson for Derbyshire County Council said:
“The standard of cooking was superb. They all did extremely well in a very pressured environment.”
Also commended from Chesterfield was Leah Roberts, 15, another pupil at Whittington Green School.
(Image shows Ryan Bruce from Whittington Green School with judges: Primary Catering Manager Kevin Hill, Menu Development Officer Katie Woods and Karen Stanley, lecturer in hospitality and catering at Buxton College.)
