A main course of roasted cod with vegetables, followed by chocolate and hazelnut mousse, enabled Hook Norton resident Sophie Brown to take the honours at last night’s final of the Rotary Clubs of Banbury Young Chef Competition sponsored by Reg’s Catering. Seventeen-year-old Sophie, a student at Banbury & Bicester College where the final took place, triumphed over four other finalists to receive the winner’s trophy from Banbury Town Mayor, Cllr Colin Clarke. Runner-up was Liam Wood of Brackley, who is a fellow student of Sophie’s at the college and impressed the judges with his mushroom and chicken risotto with bacon followed by raspberry and white chocolate cheesecake. Both now have the opportunity to take part in the district final, with the possibility of reaching April’s national final of the competition.
Reg Howe, proprietor of sponsor Reg’s Catering, comments:
“We were delighted to be involved in this fantastic competition. The judges had an extremely difficult choice though in the end, I’d say they made the right decision. But the food prepared by every single one of these talented youngsters was absolutely amazing. The standard of the food they were able to deliver in such a short time certainly gives me hope that some of them will consider a career in our industry. And if I were in their parents’ shoes, I’d be sitting back and letting the kids dish up the family meals in future.”