Aurora FutureChef Final

Competing for Aurora Foxes were second year students Maija and Alex, and third year students Lexie and JC. Both pairs exemplified the Foxes values and worked incredibly hard, showing excellent professionalism and teamwork. We are delighted to announce that out of the three winning categories, Maija and Alex took home the winning title of 'Best Pair', for working together and having two dishes that complemented each other really well. 

Ben Davis, Food Service Manager and Chef Judge from Sodexo, said "the fajitas were executed really well and packed with flavour. Both Maija and Alex demonstrated excellent knife skills to make the fresh salad and guacamole. I was also impressed with the presentation of the dish. Their dessert was also executed perfectly, Eton mess can often be made too sweet, but theirs was perfectly balanced and was a great dish to follow spicy fajitas."

Aurora Hedgeway's Charley took home the prize for 'Best Solo Competitor', for his chicken miso ramen and souffle pancakes, but the overall winner was Aurora Boveridge's Lily-Ann for her fantastic Lebanese meatballs, roasted vegetable couscous and home-made chermoula sauce and her baked cinnamon apple dessert. 

Lily-Ann said "I chose these dishes as I grew up with my mum making these for me, so it means a lot to me and brings back good memories. I also wanted to make them as they are quite difficult, so it was a challenge I set myself. Also, I really love meatballs!"

Mike Taylor Springboard Ambassador and Sodexo Learning & Development Manager said: "I'm not sure about the competitors, but my nerves were on edge throughout as I watched them laying out their equipment and ingredients. The way all the students worked was amazing, the skill levels as high as I have seen in some professional kitchens. The safe ways of working throughout were clear to see and the development of the menus was unbelievable."

Mark Bedford, Chef Academy Vice Principal, said "It was a real honour to be asked to help judge the FutureChef final and I must say, I was blown away by the standard of food from all the competitors. Everyone was focused, prepared and professional in the way they set up, worked, cooked and produced their wonderful dishes. It was wonderful to see food that reflected their personalities, as a chef, this gave me that extra connection to the cook and their food.

The stand out dishes for me were the sticky toffee pudding, miso ramen, baked apple, Lebanese meatballs, the chicken wraps with that amazing tomato and chilli salsa and the lasagne - which was incredible and genuinely included one of the best spinach purees I have tasted in a long time.

The technical skills of sauce making, dough work, fresh pasta making and knife skills were very pleasing to observe with such a young group, but also their conduct was exemplary. Although it was a competition, everyone worked harmoniously and more importantly, respectfully and safely."

Aurora FutureChef Final video