Nicole Sutherland, 13, a pupil at Penair School in Truro, won the regional final of this year’s Future Chef competition and her professional mentor, Christopher Archambault, couldn’t be prouder.
Christopher is Executive Head Chef at The Headland hotel in Newquay. When Nicole won both her school heat and the local area final, he was assigned to provide her with advice and guidance at the regional stage. At that level she had to prepare a two-course meal for two people on a budget of £10, whilst her efforts were judged by industry professionals.
“I feel very fortunate and privileged to have been involved with Nicole for her competition,” said Christopher. “Nicole is an incredible individual with great focus and attention to detail. She executed her dishes very well and in good time – beating more than 12000 competitors for a place in the final 12 nationally. Although she wasn’t the overall winner, she’s taken away some important lessons on how to compete at that level and says she’s eager to take part again.
“It’s brilliant that organisations like SpringBoard Future Chef exist to bring professionals and enthusiastic youngsters together for the future of our industry. I’m also grateful to The Headland for recognising the importance of this event and supporting my involvement.”
Gemma Edmonds, Head of South West Springboard UK, said:
“Nicole did amazingly well and we are all very proud. She didn’t get placed but had very positive feedback from the judges – including Rick Stein, Simon Hulstone, Gary Maclean and David Mulcahy. We’re all delighted she’s been inspired and wants to be a chef.”