QEH Relish Masterchef

Ninety Year 7 and 9 boys challenged 60 girls in equivalent Year groups from Red Maids' School and Redland High School in a bid to find out who ‘Can’t Cook, Won’t Cook’ and who is a ‘Masterchef’.

The idea first came from Mr Chris Brotherton, Head of Lower School at QEH, after he had been watching recent campaigns highlighting that we are losing the art of cooking.

 

The challenge was grasped with relish by both QEH boys and the girls as they began preparing their four dishes required for entry.

Each entry was accompanied by a photograph and comments from the (sometimes very brave!) tasters. All entrants received a Masterchef Certificate and the best three from each year, as chosen by the in-house judges, went on to the dramatic live cook off on Thursday 4th and Wednesday 17th June.

This was judged by professional chefs including Jonray and Peter Sanchez-Iglesias, Michelin star chefs from Casamia in Westbury-on-Trym, Tracey Naish food writer for Area magazine and Louise McCrimmon, the Head Chef at Harvey Nichols.

Boys themselves came up with some great reasons for entering: “It’s healthier”, “It tastes better”, “It’s fun”, “It’s like doing a science experiment”, “If you cook something nice you sit down together to eat it and don’t just eat it in front of the TV”, “... You can poison your brother”!

Dishes ranged from Rack of Lamb with all the trimmings, blueberry cheesecake, to a full English breakfast in bed on Mothers’ Day or an omelette.

QEH were the winners in the two age groups against Red Maids' with Patrick McMahon winning the Year 7 category and Ollie Critchley the Year 8, though in the Year 9 Masterchef category the victor was from Redland High. Each winner received the prize of a six-course taster meal for two at Casamia and the chance to see how they prepare their meals in the restaurant’s kitchens. “We were delighted to support this idea as, hopefully, it will encourage lots of young people to develop a passion for cooking,” said chef Jonray.