The Colleges competing alongside their hosts, St Peter’s Catholic College, Tuggerah in the inaugural Battle of the Chefs competition were Mackillop Catholic College from Warnervale, St Leo’s Catholic College from Wahroonga, Mount St Benedict College from Pennant Hills, Mater Maria Catholic College from Warriewood, St Joseph’s Catholic College and St Edward’s College both from East Gosford. Teams of six students took part from each school, comprising three Year Twelve students to prepare the meal, and three Year Eleven students to support 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, work flow, and final product. The judges were Keiron Brabender, Executive Chef from Mercure Kooindah Waters Central Coast and Sandra Stowe, Head Teacher Commercial Cookery and Hospitality Services from TAFE NSW, Ourimbah Campus. All entrants were presented with certificates for their involvement; 1st place going to St Leo’s Catholic College, Wahroonga, 2nd prize to St Peters Catholic College, Tuggerah and 3rd prize to Mater Maria Catholic College, Warriewood. Judge Sandra Stowe said “I thoroughly enjoyed judging the hospitality year 12 students and found it quite a challenge to distinguish the place-getters as everyone did so well.” With fellow judge Keiron Brabender commenting “it was a wonderful opportunity for the students to show off the skills they have learned in class and to experience some of the pressures of the industry.
