News

A young chef from Colchester has recently been recognised nationally for his culinary expertise. 

Aron Jordan from Doucecroft School (Autism Anglia) has been named as winner of the East of England LACA School Chef of the Year regional finals, after wowing the judges with two school focussed dishes. 

The regional finals took place at Brakes Kitchen in Reading and included seven other chefs competing for a place in the competition’s national final, held later this year. 

Aron’s main course consisted of breaded chicken strips served with Katsu curry sauce, coconut rice and pickled vegetables. For dessert Aron created an orange sponge topped with chocolate mousse, orange jelly, cocoa tuile, and blood orange reduction. 

Aron said of his win: 

“I was really pleased as I put a lot of effort and hard work into practising those recipes, perfecting the dessert, especially. The judges were really pleased with that. So, I was really pleased that I could execute that on the day.  Hopefully I can do the same again at the national finals.” 

Aron received a prize of £100 and advance to the national finals, being held in July at the Birmingham Hilton Metropole Hotel. 

The LACA School Chef of the year competition asks chefs to prepare, cook and serve a main course and dessert with a total food cost of £1.70 per head in 90 minutes that meet the School Food Standards and Eat Well Guide. 

Autism Anglia is an independent charity that provides care and support to autistic children, adults, and their families in East Anglia. With personalised services offered across Essex, Suffolk, and Norfolk, Autism Anglia empower people to realise their own strengths and abilities, and live full lives. Last year Autism Anglia supported over 800 people in the region, and you can read some of their stories here.