On Monday 3rd March, Kate Davies from St Gwladys, Bargoed Primary School won the regional heat of Lead Association for Catering in Education (LACA) School Chef of the Year and will go on to represent Wales in the finals in May.
This annual competition puts the preparation, cooking, creativity, technical ability and presentation skills of school chefs to the test with each entrant required to produce, in just one and a half hours, a healthy balanced two- course meal that would appeal to Year 6 pupils. The composition of the dishes must conform to nutritional standards.
Kate’s winning dishes were spiced beef kebabs served with coconut rice and a dessert of apple and cinnamon samosa, served with a sweet yoghurt sauce.
Cllr. David Poole, Cabinet Member for Community and Leisure Services, said, “I’d like to congratulate Kate on her success and wish her every luck representing Wales in the finals in May. Entering competitions such as these highlights the good work carried out by school catering staff and demonstrates the high quality, nutritious meals provided in schools across Caerphilly borough.”
Kate, who has been employed by Caerphilly Catering for past eight years said “I’m really passionate about cooking. My grandparents ran a pub for 30 years, so I have always been around food and kitchens and that has had a big influence on me. I enjoy it so much. The quality and variety of school meals has changed so much since I was in school. The range of food and menus are getting better and better, giving more choices for the children”.
“I was very shocked when I found out I had won the Welsh regional finals, but I’m also very proud and I’m looking forward to the next stage of the contest.”
To find out more about school meals in Caerphilly please visit www.myschoollunch.co.uk/caerphilly
