Celebrity Chef James Martin Judges Young Cooks

Published: 18 Nov 2011   updated: 23 Jan 2012

This week, EHS was proud to host the Midlands Regional Final of the Young Chef Challenge, which aims to find England's best young chef talent!

This prestigious competition is run by EBLEX, better known to most of us for their quality 'red tractor' mark on fresh English meat. James Martin, of Saturday Kitchen fame, was the judge.The task was to create a tasty dish for two, using beef or lamb mince with a vegetable or salad accompaniment, in one hour.

Elsa Court was representing EHS: 'It was very exciting but stressful to meet James Martin. He was helpful and encouraging to all the students taking part. There were four boys and four girls including myself from schools across the Midlands. I had a lot to cook in the hour session but it turned out well. I just think I could have improved my presentation; I was rushing at the end. It was good to take part and to see what the other students cooked and to have my picture taken with James!'

All the students received a white chef's jacket, a signed copy of James Martin's latest cookbook and a certificate. Elsa received highly commended and should be proud to have been selected for the last 30 candidates.

Mrs Lampard

See the feature in the Birmingham Mail here.