City of Glasgow College plays host to culinary competition
By Jamie Fairley and Eva McCartney
Chefs of the future showed off their skills at the competition
In City of Glasgow College, there are plenty of opportunities for young people to gain confidence and push themselves within their respective fields. Knorr professionals are partnering with two high-profile chefs in a student cooking competition on campus.
Gary Maclean, 2016 champion of MasterChef: The Professionals will be on the panel. Maclean, born in Glasgow, runs his own seafood restaurant. He also holds the title of Scotland's first national chef. Alongside him is Adam Handling, owner of Michelin star venues such as Frog, Ugly Butterfly, the Loch and the Tyne and Eve Bar. He started his career in Gleneagles Hotel as a 16-year-old apprentice, meaning it's safe to say he's familiar with the kitchen.
Student competitors will be given the task of presenting a two-course meal using their skills. The competition also ensures competitors can express their passion by putting their own twist on trending dishes. The categories are ‘modernised comfort food’ and ‘irresistible vegetables. Their ideas will be submitted digitally and then contestants will be shortlisted leaving eight people for the live final. The final will be live on March 21 at City of Glasgow College.
Prizes are being awarded to contestants in first, second and third place. The prizes for first place include an educational trip to Italy, a Knorr student chef of the year trophy, a set of professional knives and the experience of a lifetime learning loads of new skills from competing which helps guide the way for the future.
After speaking to a finalist, she said: “It's a great honour and privilege to have been given a place in his competition, never mind making it this far. I think this competition brings people together from all the different colleges in Scotland.”
Brand Manager of Knorr, Lisa Riley gave some insight into the history of the competition: "The competition has been running in Ireland for over 25 years, this is the first time we have been able to bring the competition to Scotland. The standard of dishes is fabulous, we are very excited to be here at the college”
This is a great experience for everyone involved, it lets young people see their full potential and gives them something to work towards. Hopefully, this will be a competition that continues within the college to help push students throughout their time at City of Glasgow College.