Snapshots from the south and west zonal finals of IIHM Young Chef India Schools, with t2
Snapshots from the south and west zonal finals of IIHM Young Chef India Schools, with t2
It was time for the top 10 contestants from South and West zones to prove themselves and make it to the finals of Young Chef India Schools 2018, presented by International Institute of Hotel Management (IIHM) in association with t2. The South zone students from Bangalore and Hyderabad and the West zone students from Ahmedabad, Pune, Bhopal and Nashik pumped up the heat at the zonal finals at IIHM’s Delhi campus in Badarpur.
TT Bureau
Published 25.05.18, 12:00 AM
It was time for the top 10 contestants from South and West zones to prove themselves and make it to the finals of Young Chef India Schools 2018, presented by International Institute of Hotel Management (IIHM) in association with t2. The South zone students from Bangalore and Hyderabad and the West zone students from Ahmedabad, Pune, Bhopal and Nashik pumped up the heat at the zonal finals at IIHM’s Delhi campus in Badarpur.
SOUTH ZONE
The contestants were briefed about the cook-off before the start of their stipulated cooking time of 90 minutes. The judges doled out instructions and guidelines and also gave a pep talk to the participants.
All contestants got a basket of ingredients which they had to use. They could also pick a few more from the pantry.
Chef and judge Sanjay Kak marked the contestants based on criteria such as hygiene, organisational skills, time management and cleanliness. “I want to see if they have a plan; whether they are executing it well and also get a better understanding of how they have prepared themselves. While some are focused, others aren’t. But overall, the South zone is extremely innovative, better than we expected,” said Kak.
THE FINALISTS
Pratiksha Hinduja (left) from Frank Anthony Public School, Bangalore was one of the contestants to reach the finals. “I was quite confident because everything was bang on, be it taste or presentation. I had even got positive feedback. I am really happy!” said Pratiksha who “absolutely loves” chef Kunal Kapoor.
Zahan Gafoor spends 50 per cent of his day in the kitchen, cooking and trying out new dishes. The shy 17-year-old was the second contestant to make it to the finals from the South zone. “I have been interested in cooking ever since I can remember. My father has inspired me to cook. In fact, I used to cook with my grandparents who have written a cookbook. My passion for cooking has only grown since then. I practised as much as I could for this round, so I am satisfied,” said the student of Mallya Aditi International School who wants to own a modern Indian fusion restaurant one day.
WEST ZONE
Get set, go! Without wasting a single minute, the ‘cheftestants’ started cooking. After all, they had two portions of a starter, a main course dish and two accompaniments to cook within 90 minutes.
Vedika Kariwala, who was the winner in 2015, returned this year as a judge. “I can relate to the contestants, understand the pressure and stress they must be going through because I have been in their position once,” said the 20-year-old Culinary Arts student of Institute of Hotel Management, Aurangabad.
With a “buddy” by their side, the youngsters cooked up a storm.
The judges kept a close eye on the young chefs, tasting the dishes, asking questions, giving suggestions and encouraging them at every point. “We have had a winner from the West zone in the past. So the expectations are high,” said chef and judge Shaun Kenworthy.
THE FINALISTS
Mrunal Khedekar couldn’t contain her excitement on making it to the finals. “I am so thrilled! The competition was difficult but not an impossible one. I keep trying to cook new dishes. In fact, I came up with today’s menu myself,” said the 18-year-old student of St. Patrick’s Junior College, Pune.
For 18-year-old Siddhi Rashivadekar who aspires to become a chef and looks up to celebrity chefs Kunal Kapoor and Ranveer Brar, this was one of the best experiences of her life. “Undoubtedly, this is the best platform that I have got to showcase my talent. From the judges to the buddies, everyone boosted our confidence so much that my energy just shot up,” said the student of SNDT College of Home Science, Pune.
