Congratulations to catering student Nelson Dombele who has been shortlisted for the top ten finalists in the Jamie Oliver Home Cooking Skills Competition for 2013.
Nelson Dombele, 18 years old, joined Carshalton College in 2012 on the NVQ Level 1 Certificate in Hospitality Services. The Jamie Oliver competition asked any aspiring chefs aged between 14 to 19 years to produce a dish from three options. Contestants could choose from creating a dinner for family and friends, food for a school fete or a hot plate for a canteen.
Nelson selected the dinner for family and friends producing a Spaghetti Bolognese main course served with garlic bread and a chocolate dessert. Along with creating the dish, the submission including a statement on why this menu was created, the planning involved in the meal and pictures and video footage.
Nelson created the dish at the Nightingale restaurant kitchen in the College and it was seen and sampled by fellow students. Nelson chose the combination because of his close family life and it is a dish that would appeal to a number of ethnic backgrounds.
Tutors Sandra Marshall and Ian Elson described Nelson's enthusiasm
"Nelson is a passionate student who works hard and is very detailed in his work ethnic, taking every task to heart to produce the best. Taking part in this competition provided a great opportunity for students to have freedom to develop a menu of their own choice and be unique, stepping up from the day to day course work they are given."
Nelson's passion came shining through when talking about his choice of studying catering
"I chose catering after being inspired by my mum and grandmother. I just enjoy being in the kitchen, it feels like home. The environment of working in a kitchen means you have to be fired up and always focussed to be prepared."
The competition finalists will have their dishes judged by Jamie Oliver and the winner announced on 17 June. Vouchers to dine at one of Jamie Oliver's restaurants will be given to the winner plus £50 worth of JME vouchers to spend on cookware and books at Jamie Oliver's online shop, a personalised signed book and their winning entry will be posted on Jamie Oliver's blog. For 2nd and 3rd position there will be a selection of Jamie Oliver goodies will be given as prizes.
Good Luck Nelson!
