Cumbria's rising stars.....

Wed, 09 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

I took the opportunity to photograph the Cumbria final of the North West Fine Foods Junior Chef of the year. Four hopefuls competed in a tense cookoff at Lucy Cooks in Staveley last night.

(l-r) Martin Frickel, Michael Lambert, Luke Woodend & Matt Campbell

Martin and Matt were the two youngest chefs, both from Castle Green in Kendal and both members of the Kendal College culinary team. Michael works at Purdeys in Elterwater and Luke works at Lakeside, Newby Bridge.

For two hours the chefs worked in virtual silence preparing their dishes, they had to present three courses to the judges.

Matt hard at work

The standard of presentation was very high and the chefs made great use of local produce in their menus.

Matt's completed hot and cold smoked salmon starter.

Two examples of each dish were plated up, one went to the judges to taste, the other went on show for the photographs.

Michaels tempting Morecambe Bay shrimp risotto starter

Master Chef Brian Mellor dissects Michaels dish before tasting it.

Luke Woodend's perfectly cooked fish dish.

Nick Martin, Dale Blacow and Brian Mellor independently assess every aspect of the food they are presented.

The third course came out quickly and the chefs could relax.

Michael Lambert

Martin Frickel

Matt Campbell

Time for one last look before the judges went to discuss their results and decide upon the winner.

The moment of truth, Michael Lambert steps forward.

A worthy winner to represent Cumbria in the final in Liverpool and we wish him luck. - Martin

Martins thoughts...

Cumbria's rising stars.....