31 October 2023
Michaelhouse recently teamed up with the renowned Jackie Cameron School of Food & Wine for a fun-filled Masterchef competition, which brought together 16 teams from nine schools to compete for five prestigious awards.
The five categories included Best Dessert, Best Main Course, Best Junior Team, Best Senior Team and, crucially, the Hygiene Award, with representatives from Michaelhouse, Hilton College, Treverton, Maris Stella, St Anne’s, St John’s DSG, St Mary’s DSG, Pietermaritzburg Girls High, and Durban Girls College all hoping for culinary glory.
Michaelhouse Culinary Society visits elite culinary school | Pinnacle Schools (pinnacle-schools.com)
Judges
Joining Jackie Cameron to judge the dishes was Michaelhouse Old Boy Alex Poltera, who is now the Chef at Garlington’s Bistro and Deli, Chef Zandy Armstrong, from the Artisan Bistro, and Chef Renzo Hamblin, from Hamblin’s.
While the judges had the pleasure of tasting the dishes, the photos of the fine fare, which certainly revealed some mouthwatering creations, will have to suffice for others.
To prepare for the challenge, the teams were provided with a list of ingredients in advance and then were given 70 minutes to whip up a delicious main course and dessert.
For the most part, the girls’ schools dominated, although one of Michaelhouse’s junior teams, captained by Jonathan Schwegman, achieved an impressive runner-up finish in the Best Dessert category.
Michaelhouse Barista Society visits Beaver Creek | Pinnacle Schools (pinnacle-schools.com)
Winners
The Best Main Award went to Pietermaritzburg Girls High’s team of Megan Maistry, Caitlin van Dyk, Yolsa Mtungwa, Bianca De Coning, Enthle Sithole and Dimpho Mofoka, who doubled-up when they were also recognised as the judges’ choice for the Best Team.
St Anne’s Senior Team won the desirable Best Dessert Award. The answer to the judge’s desires was Chocolate Cream Profiteroles, in case you were wondering.
Maris Stella won the important Hygiene Award.
Bigger and better
Michaelhouse Economics Teacher, Michael Sevenoaks, after a very successful event, commented: “I’m hoping to get 15 schools next year and to grow the event to expose more kids to cooking.”
Are people able to volunteer to be judges? Just asking for a friend…
Leave a Reply