Young chef’s orginality praised

Eve James from Shaftesbury School & Sports College produced the dish of the day to wow the judges and take the first prize in the group heat of the Rotary Young Chef competition. 

The judges praised her for the originality of her menu – a starter of steamed mackerel on a bed of celeriac and apple served with a sweet and sour cucumber followed by a main course of best rack of Dorset lamb served on a rosemary lakta and braised beetroot, with a lamb and redcurrant gravy.  Both courses were complemented by a sweet of lemon posset served with a home made shortbread and a compote of blackberries.

Fifteen-year-old Eve will represent East Dorset in the next stage of the competition – the district heats – along with runner up Alex Blewitt from Ferndown Upper School, plus winners of from other local heats.

District and regional heats culminate in a Britain and Ireland final in May, the winner taking home £250 and enjoying a trip to the Italian olive groves.