A smorgasbord of French and Argentinian pastries were dished up to three guest judges at a Bedfordale school this week as part of a real-life cook-off challenge.
Southern Hills Christian College hospitality students took part in the activity which saw them dish up their creations to invited judges – Member for East Metropolitan region Matt Swinbourn, Gosnells Baptist Church pastor Tony Spencer and Dome Kelmscott franchise owner Graeme Hill.
Chef de Partie Esther Bryan said the activity allowed the students to cook and prepare meals to real deadlines, as well as expose them to industry-standard expectations and to help them understand what working under pressure felt like.
“The students chose their own recipes and I think they displayed great initiative, practicing for their families at home in order to sharpen their skills,” she said.
I think they realised that working within the limitations of the time restrictions ramps up the pressure and mistakes can happen in the kitchen.
“How we react to these mistakes determines whether we succeed or whether we lose.
“It’s a good metaphor for life in general for all of us.”
Mr Spencer and Mr Swinbourn said they were both pleased to participate in the activity.
“I’m not sure what specifically qualified me to be a judge, I do enjoy my food and like a lot of people I often eat more than I should, but I do not have any formal experience in the hospitality and food preparation industries,” Mr Swinbourn said.
“It was apparent to me that all the participants took their jobs seriously and this was clear from the high quality of the food served and the excellent presentation of all the dishes.”
Students Ella O’Brien, Kayla Tallowin and Claire Percy were the frontrunners on the day with their love heart apple turnover winning over the judge’s tastebuds.
Photographs – Aaron Van Rongen
