NextGen Chef Challenge for secondary school students
Date : Mon 24 Mar
Time : 09:00 - 14:00
Submit your competition entry through the 'book now' link below
Cost : €0
Tourism and Leisure Building, Cork Road Campus, Waterford
Interested in putting your culinary skills to the test? SETU are looking for aspiring chefs who are in secondary school in the South East to compete in the NextGen Chef Challenge.
This initiative aims to spark interest and enhance knowledge in food, cooking, sustainability, and nutrition amongst transition, fifth and sixth year students.
What is involved?
- Menu proposal: Students will propose a menu consisting of two courses (starter/main course or main course/dessert).
- Entry submission: Students will cook their proposed menu in school or at home and submit the menu with photos of the dishes. Submissions will be judged, with 12 finalist chosen to compete at a final cook off at the training kitchens in SETU in March 2025.
- Preparation time: Each student will have 2.5 hours to prepare, cook, and present their dishes. The final will take place at the training kitchens at SETU, where students will present their dishes to a panel of professional chefs and industry experts.
Task
In 2.5 hours, prepare, cook, and present a two-course meal (starter and main, or main and dessert) of your choice.
Criteria
- Food miles: Use local produce where possible.
- Seasonality: Incorporate seasonal ingredients.
- Taste and flavour: Focus on creating delicious dishes.
- Nutrition: Ensure the meal is nutritious.
- Cost and value: Consider the cost-effectiveness of the ingredients.
- Creativity: Show originality and innovation in your dishes, put your twist on an old dish.
- Food hygiene: Adhere to HACCP standards.
- Skills demonstration: Highlight your culinary skills.
- Presentation: Present your dishes attractively.
How to apply
- Read the above criteria to ensure your dishes meet expectations.
- Cook your proposed menu in school or at home and take photos of your dishes.
- Submit your proposed menu, with photos, which consists of two courses (starter and main course or main course and dessert), through our online application form.
- Closing date for submissions: 1pm, 20 February, 2025.
- List of finalists announced: The first week of March, 2025.
Submit your entry to the NextGen Chef Challenge
Contact
For further discussion and to express your interest, please contact Mark Gaffney at [email protected]
