Sixteen contract caterers’ teams were challenged to plan a two-course meal for two people, using a mystery box of ingredients, in 30 minutes, with a further 30 minutes to create and present their dishes.
This year, the two chefs representing Brookwood were Chef Manager Sandy Hayton and General Manager, Aston Perera (pictured). Tasked with the main course, Aston created a crusted cannon of lamb with a red wine jus served with glazed vegetables. Sandy, who is no stranger to the competitions run by ACE having won the ACE Sustains Award 2014, was looking after the dessert. In the 30 minute time frame, Sandy created a vanilla pancake stack with a blackberry and plum compote topped with a sweet potato and pear crisp.
The ACE is an industry body for catering professionals for networking and continuous professional development. The Ready Steady Cook challenge is one of five annual events for the association.
Competition is always high but the judges praised the team and awarded them the third placed prize. After the event, the Brookwood duo said: “Each year the competition and calibre is fierce. The time just ticks away but we managed to keep our cool and we are delighted to have been awarded third place.”
