Radish chef wins regional catering award

Radish chef Sara Franklin has won the School Chef of the Year 2020 competition at the East Midlands regional finals for the second consecutive year. Sara, who works at the Campion School in Northampton, will now compete at the national competition in Stratford on 5^th March.

Sara was awarded the title after devising and presenting a main meal and dessert suitable for 11-year-olds in just 90 minutes. She had to cook four portions and could only spend £1.30 per meal.

Sara impressed the judges with a chicken fajita tart with roasted sweet potato wedges and a coriander and lime slaw. For dessert, she served a strawberry and lemon bundt cake with custard.

Sara has worked at the Campion School for more than 22 years and was thrilled to win the competition for the second year running.  She commented: “I love cooking and to be recognised in this way is so meaningful. It’s a high-pressure situation as the judges ask questions while I’m making the food. I’m delighted I was able to hold my nerve and can’t wait for the national finals in March.”

Rebecca Bridgement, managing director of Radish commented on the win: “Sara is a shining example of what our chefs are capable of. We pride ourselves on delivering unique, creative dishes which are served by passionate, dedicated and hard-working chefs. We are all delighted to see her win this competition. She held her own under intense pressure and delivered an outstanding result. Congratulations to Sara and all the other competitors.”

The competition is run by LACA. The organisation represents 1,000 catering managers and suppliers, providing three million lunches in 22,000 schools every single day.