Sixth Form pupils are doing their own version of an ‘iron man’ competition, although rather than swimming, cycling and running, they have chosen to participate in a cooking challenge, a general knowledge quiz and a netball match. In order to give the competition an exciting twist, it is boys versus girls. To open proceedings and get the challenge underway, on Friday 5 February, Year 13 boys challenged the girls from Gilson House to a Masterchef style contest. Making the most of the renovated kitchen in College House, a group of pupils cooked up a storm, creating no fewer than three sumptuous dishes.
Chris Drobik, George Atkinson and Ed Warren took on tough competition from Orla Brown and Charlie Scales. Both teams chose a three course menu, cooked it and served it to the panel of impartial judges. Miss Vanessa Green, Mr Adam Dimmick, Mr Nick Sexton and Mrs Sarah Dix made up the panel of impartial judges. Points were awarded on how the meal tasted, how it was presented, how well the chosen ingredients went together, and how the dishes complemented the menu as a whole. Both teams had created lovely menus and some truly stunning dishes. The girls were adventurous with an international-themed menu, consisting of tomato bruschetta to start, followed by chilli and rice with guacamole, cream, tortilla chips and cheese. The boys, who certainly knew how to serve man-sized portions, chose salmon and cream cheese to start, followed by chicken wrapped in parma ham with roasted potatoes and tomatoes on the vine. Dessert from both teams was chocolate brownie, raspberry coulis and cream – although they deny collusion!
The pupils made an outstanding effort and should be commended for producing some fantastic food. Judge Miss Green commented that ‘it wasn’t just great for food cooked at a friend’s house- it was restaurant standard. You would not have been disappointed if you’d ordered these dishes eating out.’ However, they had to be a winner and in the end the judges were unanimous. Victory went to the boys team, who had taken a risk with an adventurous menu and it had paid off. Congratulations to them for pipping the girls to the post!