Springboard FutureChef
We were delighted to be invited to go along to Belfast Metropolitan College, Titanic Quarter Campus, to see eight amazing young students (aged 13-15) from across Northern Ireland who have made it through to the finals of the Springboard Charity Flagship Educational Programme, FutureChef.
The culinary talents on display were quite outstanding. With guests from Schools, Colleges, Industry Partners and the Department of Education in attendance we watched the up and coming culinary talent from the viewing gallery as the young people prepared their dishes.
The line up of Northern Ireland judges this year were Sean Owens, Noel McMeel, Geoff Baird and last year’s Northern Ireland FutureChef winner, Michael Thompson, and all the students were mentored by some of the best chefs and industry experts in the province.
We were blown away by the professionalism and cookery skills in evidence, and the delicious smells emanating from the kitchen were mouthwatering! The judges had quite the task on their hands choosing one overall winner, so while the judges deliberated, we were treated to a delicious lunch in the Linen Lounge, the rather excellent on site restaurant.
Although all the students were winners, unfortunately only one could be crowned as Northern Ireland’s Future Chef and that person will then be invited to attend the National Finals in London where they will compete against other students from across the UK.
And that talented chef was Kristen Nugent, mentored by James Devine, who prepared an outstanding menu of Fermanagh Chicken Tasting Plate with potatoes, heritage carrots and beurre blanc, and an Apple Upside Down Cake with hazelnut crumble and cream.
We wish Kristen all the very best at the National Finals in March, and having seen all of these brilliant young chefs at work, we know that the future of hospitality in Northern Ireland is in very safe hands!
