By TBHS | Posted: Tuesday July 2, 2019
Congratulations to Matt Kennedy, Hayden Jefferson and Callum Bowmar who participated in the Food and Beverage 2019 Competition held at Ara in Christchurch, a competition that saw each of them walking away with medals - this was an outstanding result as each of them chose to compete in Open sections with trainee chefs.
Matt entered the National Secondary Schools' Culinary Competition entree section with his innovative original recipe - Carrot and Blue Cheese Tart - a carrot and blue cheese custard, topped with roasted carrot in a short crust pastry with walnut, pickled carrot and orange salad, rocket blue cheese and walnut dressing. He was the overall winner of the Canterbury Tasman Regional Final and he will go to the Nationals in Auckland in September. Matt was also the overall winner of the Ara competition in all of the Secondary Schools' classes.
He also gained a Silver medal in the Open Section (non secondary schools) for his High Country Beef Burger, a Silver for his entree and a Bronze in the Open section in the live Beef and Lamb - for his lamb rack. His high level of skill gained the attention of renowned chefs.
Hayden entered the Barista category which was also an Open Class - he competed against Level 8 Hospitality Management students and he gained a very well deserved Bronze medal, making 6 coffees in 12 minutes. His timing was down to the wire and he only had 5 seconds to spare. He also took the eye of the judges.
Callum entered the Open Section of Beef and Lamb and he gained a Bronze medal. He calmly presented a beautifully cooked lamb dish that was presented with some superb time management - he had 1 second to spare!
Matt and Callum will cook together at the National Finals in Auckland in September and they are eagerly looking forward to this event.
