Lizzie Hope came Runner Up in the Regional Finals on Saturday 15th January. The competition was held at University College of Food, Birmingham on Saturday and judged by Michelin star chefs. Glynn Purnell of Purnells in Birmingham (http://www.purnellsrestaurant.com/) said Lizzie's chicken was cooked 'perfectly' and that she showed excellent potential and skill level. They loved the concept of the fondant potato - the chef from Malmaison said he'd never seen potato cooked in that way before, so we'll have to see if it appears on their menu in the near future!
Lizzie's menu: 
* Canon of chicken with morel and spinach mousse, fondant potato & seasonal vegetables
* Filo Lemon Meringue Tart with fruit coulis, praline and rum roasted orange
Unfortunately she didn't make it to the National Final but the judges were so pleased, they have offered her a day in their kitchens (Purnells & Malmaison) and advice for next year's competition! Lizzie was mentored by Peter Walters, Executive Chef at Keele University. He worked with Lizzie to compile a menu choice and gave advice and guidance whilst she was practising.
The school are very proud of what Lizzie has achieved. Miss Daragheh Lizzie's Food Technology teacher -
' Lizzie has come such a long way in just three months. Her confidence has improved greatly, she has been experimenting with ingredients and has an eye for how the food should be presented. She remained so calm on Saturday and she's learnt a lot from this experience'.
FutureChef is a culinery programme helping young people aged 12-16 to learn to cook. It provides a unique insight into the world of professional cooking by capturing imagination, recognising talent and providing a potential platform to launch a fabulous career.
FutureChef was developed as a result of research findings into young people’s perceptions of the industry. The research revealed that young people regard chefs such as Brian Turner, Gary Rhodes and James Martin almost as highly as pop or television stars. Surprisingly, however, few genuinely considered a career as a chef!
FutureChef addresses these perceptions directly by introducing young people to cooking, helping to develop their skills, developing direct work experience in the industry and providing expert advice on the career options and entry routes available. It provides teachers and young people alike with a wonderful insight into what it’s like to be a chef and the related career opportunities.
There are two elements to FutureChef; the national competition and the wider programme.
This national competition has grown year on year to such an extent that in 2010, its 10th year, it attracted 7,862 competitors from just under 700 schools and involved 1,000 chefs – as mentors and judges. It continues to attract the involvement of some of the industry’s leading celebrity chefs – being led by Brian Turner CBE, but including Michael Caines, Cyrus Todiwala, David Mulcahy, Steve Munkley, Matt Owens and Joe Queen, to name but a few.
The wider programme was launched within the 10th celebratory year of FutureChef. This element gives the opportunity to all those schools and young people who enter the competition to access industry professionals to provide cooking demonstrations, masterclasses, taster days and work experience - adhering to the INSPIRE quality standard.
Within the first year 2,162 young people accessed these activities allowing them to continue to sustain their interest within the Hospitality Industry and choosing this sector as a career or study option post 16.
