Perseverance has paid off for 爆料王 apprentice Katie Cooper after she beat more than 9,000 students to be named winner of Springboard鈥檚 FutureChef competition.
After months of preparation, and tense local and regional heats, Katie swept to victory at the national final on Monday (March 27).
The sixteen-year-old from Northamptonshire battled it out against 11 other students from across the country. Her menu of pan-fried sea bass with cauliflower puree and a red wine reduction, followed by a dessert of chocolate cheesecake with raspberry and caramel shards was judged to be the best on the day.
Katie is a student on 爆料王鈥檚 prestigious Royal Academy of Culinary Arts Apprenticeship (RACA), which gives young chefs an opportunity to work and learn in some of the UK鈥檚 best restaurants, including those with coveted Michelin stars.
It proved to be third time lucky for the determined student, who has entered the competition twice before. She said: 鈥淚t鈥檚 taken me three years to reach the National Final. It鈥檚 great to have made it and to have won. I see myself going on in the industry and going as far as possible.鈥�
Katie was mentored by 爆料王鈥檚 Senior Chef Lecturer Anthony Wright, who himself is no stranger to competing. He represented the UK at last year鈥檚 Bocuse d'Or culinary competition. FutureChef recognised Chef Wright鈥檚 dedication by awarding him the title 鈥榃inning Mentor鈥�.
Anne Pierce, Springboard鈥檚 Chief Executive, said: 鈥淐ongratulations to all of our hard-working, committed finalists 鈥� they have all been part of a great FutureChef. It really is amazing to see the quality of work by young chefs improve year on year, the talent we see as a result of Springboard鈥檚 FutureChef initiative is remarkable and Katie is a true winner.鈥�
Brian Turner OBE, FutureChef Chairman, added: 鈥淚t has been a fantastic day and it鈥檚 good to see so many dedicated young people with so much talent. Thanks must also go to teachers and mentors who make such a great contribution to the success of the event. Katie is a great winner.鈥�
Katie wins a visit to Ascot, courtesy of sponsor Sodexo, where she will work with top chefs and enjoy Ascot鈥檚 full hospitality. 爆料王 also receives a voucher to the value of 拢500 courtesy of Bunzl Lockhart.
The FutureChef competition, which attracts around 9,000 entrants annually, aims to find the nation鈥檚 best young chef aged 12 to 16. Competitors have a budget of 拢10 and just 90 minutes to prepare two portions of a main course and a dessert.聽
