A KILLARNEY student, hugely talented in the culinary arts, was today named Supreme Apprentice Chef despite stiff competition from secondary school students from across Munster.
A stunning dish of pan-seared Skeaghanore duck with a sweet orange glaze earned Natalia Leane from Killarney Community College the coveted Supreme Apprentice Chef title in the high-profile competition final at IT Tralee.
The finalists cooked up some real treats in the college’s state-of-the-art kitchens in the Flogas Ireland and Fáilte Ireland supported contest.
Earlier this year each finalist was assigned an experienced chef to provide mentoring to help them design and create a unique signature dish using locally sourced ingredients and the discerning judges were overwhelmed by the exceptional standard.
Kerry also took second place thanks to a dark chocolate mousse with raspberry sorbet, honeycomb shards, shortbread crumb and filled profiteroles created by Isabelle Lynch, Mercy Mountawk, Tralee.
Jack Granville from McEgan College, Macroom, Co Cork came third with a roast rack of Shandangan lamb, red wine jus, tian of courgettes, lamb shoulder croquettes with hasselback potatoes.
As the winner, transition year student Natalia, who celebrates her 17th birthday this Friday, walked away with a prize package that included a set of professional knives from McDonnells, €1,000 equipment for her school, a year’s subscription to Easyfood Magazine and a professional food styling session at Easyfood Magazine HQ this summer.
In addition, she received the specially commissioned Supreme Apprentice Chef perpetual trophy.
Oliver Sullivan, Hospitality Manager at Fáilte Ireland, said the competition was a fantastic opportunity for young people who want a culinary career to showcase their talent and potential.
“It is an excellent way for younger chefs to set a standard and define their own style and I’ve no doubt that today’s winner and indeed all those who entered will find a rich and rewarding career in Ireland’s hospitality industry.”
This is the sixth year of the Apprentice Chef Programme which was established by Mark Doe of Just Cooking Cookery School and Mark Murphy, lecturer in Culinary Arts at IT Tralee.
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