Three West College students battled it out yesterday in final of the much coveted West College Scotland Paisley campus’s Chef of the Year competition.
Heats were held during the session and proved to be very competitive and added to the students’ course experience. The annual competition which launched last year saw three students prepare a three course delight, with just the ingredients they were given that very morning.
Sagar Massey (Level 6), Nicole Haughie (Level 5) and Phil Kerr (Level 5) all engrossed themselves in the competition with Sagar claiming first place and scooping the 2016-17 title held on Tuesday 20th June 2017.
Jason Andrews, proprietor of Fox and Hounds and the River Inn in Houston judged the competition and gave valuable feedback and tips throughout the students cooking experience.
Sagar was delighted to be announced this winner and in addition to having his name added to the Winner Shield, he was given a meal for two at one of Jason’s establishments.
Jim McAllister, Head of Sector for Hospitality, Tourism and Languages said, “All of our students have worked extremely hard over the past year to perfect and hone their skills. Competitions like these allow students to show their imagination and get creative with their dishes.”
Christopher Watson, Curriculum Enhancement Lecturer for Hospitality said: “Competition work really does allow students to push their limit and see how well they can cope under pressure. We are very grateful for Jason’s input into the competition and we are pleased that as a department we have many valuable industry and partner links who work closely with the college throughout the year. Such great industry support really enriches our students learning experience.”
Eighteen year old Sagar from Paisley said: “I’m delighted to have won the Competition today. It was hard, but it’s a great feeling. I’m currently working part time at Wishart’s at Cameron House which I’m really enjoying.
“I’m coming back to college next year as I still have skills to learn and I enjoy the buzz of competition work. For the second year running I was able to go down to Grimsby for the Young Seafood Chef of the Year competition. It’s all a great learning experience.”
Jim added: “For the past four years West College Scotland’s Hospitality students have been Northern Regional Heat winners – we are very proud of the student’s achievements in this prestigious national competition.”
Main photo: (L-R) Phil Kerr, Nicole Haughie and Sagar Massey.