St Leo’s Catholic College from Wahroonga took out the top prize for the third year running at the annual Battle of the Chefs competition.
St Peter’s Catholic College in Tuggerah came second with Mater Maria Catholic College from Warriewood rounding out the top three. Seven secondary schools from across the Diocese took part in the competition, which was held at St Peter’s.
“The standard of our students is continually lifting each year, resulting in all schools performing to a very high level,” said Phil Cox, Education Officer, Secondary Vocational Learning & Curriculum.
Teams of six students took part from each school, comprising three Year Twelve students to prepare the meal and three Year Eleven students to watch and help clean up. Competitors had just ninety minutes to prepare, cook and plate up one main meal and one entree or dessert, with judging criteria including personal presentation, hygiene, technical skills, workflow, and final product.
The competition was judged by Dimitri Aronis and Sandra Stowe from Ourimbah TAFE and Karl Kard, head chef and owner of The Edge Bar Café in Tuggerah. The judges commended the standard of work displayed by each school team, as well as the students’ professional approach to teamwork.
“We were really fortunate to have such highly qualified chefs give their time and expertise,” said Mr Cox. Mr Cox also thanked Simone Peat at St Peter’s Catholic College and the VET team for all their hard work on the day, as well as their organisation behind the scenes.