Budding young chef Emily Simkins from North Hertfordshire College has won the national finals of Young Risotto Chef of the Year 2023.
The Level 3 Professional Cookery student received the opportunity for a work experience stage at a two Michelin Star restaurant in Milan as part of her prize package.
Her dish of Jerusalem Artichoke risotto incorporated a zero-waste theme and was designed to both feature local seasonal ingredients and involve minimal ingredient wastage.
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The judges commended Emily’s recipe for "using humble ingredients and elevating them to a high degree".
The Young Risotto Chef of the Year title is the latest of Emily’s competition successes since joining the college in September 2021.
Her previous achievements include her win in the Zest Quest Asia Panasonic Autumn Challenge in 2021 and two consecutive appearances in the national finals of Zest Quest Asia in 2021 and 2022 alongside fellow NHC chefs, James Wheatley and Phil Maddison.
Emily said: “What an experience – I have loved every second of competing in Young Risotto Chef of the Year.
"I first entered the competition in 2021 when I joined the Level 2 programme, where I was awarded the wild card in my regional heat. This gave me the inspiration and drive to push even harder when I entered in 2022, producing a humble, seasonal, and sustainable dish.
"Once again, I was awarded the wild card in my heat but, luckily, I was brought into the final!
“Since then, I was in college on every free early morning I had, non-stop practicing and making sure every element of my dish was as perfect as it could be.
"The buzz of the stadium was thrilling and getting to cook in the H Club kitchen was so cool. Waiting for the results was a nerve-racking moment – but then to discover I won, I was in so much shock and disbelief but so incredibly happy."
“I’m so lucky to have made it to the final of Young Risotto Chef of the Year and winning it has been the best feeling. I can’t wait for Italy!”
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