Kai Xin comes out top of the chops in district final of Thatcham Rotary Club’s Young Chef competition at Newbury College

Thatcham Rotary Club has hosted another Young Chef competition.

The district final was held at Newbury College on February 8, with five budding young chefs battling it out to plate up the best food.

The five competitors in this year’s final were Anesu Zhuwau,16, from Easthampstead Park School (Royal Ascot Rotary Club), Kai Xin, 14, from Bloxham School (Banbury Rotary Club), Poppy Redpath, 14, from Bloxham School (Banbury Rotary Club), Charlie Geraghty, 11, from John Hampden School (Wycombe Rotary Club) and Pavitar Dhami, 14, from John Hampden School (Wycombe Rotary Club).

Each were given a brief to provide a healthy two course meal (main and dessert) for two for under £18.

After two hours of cooking, judges Malcolm Baggott, a chef and lecturer at Newbury College, and chef Ian Alexander praised the entrants for the overall standard of cooking and presentation.

But there could only be one winner.

And this year it was Kai, with her menu of Pan Fried Salmon on Ricotta Cheese, Basil Ravioli followed by Dark Chocolate and Raspberry Tartlet Chantilly Cream.

And, should they win that, they will enter the national final.

Thatcham Rotarian Ron Howard commented that the overall standard of cooking improves year on year.

He also commended the contestants for how calm, collected and well-prepared they were.

Thatcham Rotary wishes Kai and Zhuwau every success in the following heats and thank the staff at Newbury College for their support.

Rotary Young Chef is a national competition for budding chefs between 12-16-years-old.

The competition is arranged in tiers with, local rotary clubs organising their own with local schools.