Joy’s Blog
I decided to compete in future chef as I thought it would be an enjoyable and worthwhile experience. I had also done it before and I wanted to give it another go.
Babcock provided us with a mentor- Damien helped us plan and design our menus. He taught us various skills and helped us improve skills that we already had.
My menu was pan-fried salmon on a bed of oriental noodles and stir-fried vegetables, followed by vanilla pannacotta, raspberry coulis and shortbread biscuits.
On the day we went to Belfast Met and set up our stations. I was both nervous and excited. There were seven other competitors including Rebecca. We were briefed and then we started cooking. The judges walked round and I got some really nice comments such as "your knife skills are very good- as good as some of my 1st years" I was slightly put off by the judges walking round and watching me. Everything went really well and I finished on time. We served our food and one meal went to the judges while the other went for photos.
I did not win however I got good feedback and nice comments. The judges gave constructive criticism- I could have flavoured my pannacotta more and used a sauce on my noodles.
It was an amazing experience and in the future I hope to pursue a career in the hospitality industry.
