Two junior members of the Sidney Sussex College Kitchen team were awarded a gold medal and "best in class" at a National Culinary Competition.

Sara Delgardo and Brian Girdlestone turned in an outstanding performance at the British Culinary Food and Drink Expo at the NEC in Birmingham on 7 April 2008. Brian, who is the newest member of the kitchen brigade, joined the College as a Commis Chef only 2 months ago. Sara was promoted to Chef de Partie in January 2008. Both team members have been trained by Sidney Sussex Head Chef, Stephen Mather, who said: "It was a fantastic effort by junior members of the team competing in their first live competition."

They were required to prepare, cook and serve a 2-course lunch meal within 45 minutes.

They won the event whilst competing against 8 of the top UK teams including the Master Chefs of London Culinary Team.

The competition was judged by Peter Griffiths, Executive Chef from the Manor House Hotel and Mark Houghton Chairman of the British Culinary Federation. In addition to a Gold medal in the team event Sara also won a Bronze Medal for her Warm Salad Dish.

Sara said: "After all the training and preparation it's great to have such a brilliant result. Being congratulated by Chefs who are much older and more experienced was quite emotional."

Their winning menu was:

Seared Scallops, Pak Choi and Passion Fruit Foam

Seared Breast of Duck

Asian Stir Fry, Fermented Black Bean Sauce

Chilli & Pineapple Salsa

This is an archived news story, first posted in 2008.


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