Michelin starred Chef to launch DLP’s new training kitchens

Esteemed chef Adam Gray will host an exciting cook-off competition on Friday 16th January to celebrate the official launch of the Daventry Learning Partnership’s (DLP) new training kitchens.

Adam, Gary Rhodes’ Executive Chef and TV Partner, will demonstrate one of his favourite dishes to ten eager participants which include Councillor Elizabeth Griffin, Deputy Leader of Daventry District Council and Councillor Peter Harper, Mayor of Daventry.

Under Adam’s expert guidance, contestants will be asked to recreate their own version of his dish – pan fried sea bass with smoked bacon leeks – while they are judged on their attempts. The event gives participants a unique opportunity to experience the new training kitchens and the benefits the facility will provide local school pupils.

Adam said, ‘Teaching young people about food and catering is something I’m very passionate about. The DLP’s new training kitchens are fantastic and will allow local school pupils to gain vocational catering qualifications – of course I jumped at the chance to be involved in the launch event in my home county. I understand some of the participants will be novice cooks but that doesn’t mean I won’t be looking for absolute perfection and concentration during the competition! Whilst it’s all a bit of fun, there is still an important message about ensuring young aspiring chefs have the best educational facilities in which to train. I hope those involved will recognise the DLP’s commitment within the town.’

Catering Lecturer Richard Curtis said, ‘Our new kitchens at Daventry have been up and running since September. They are designed with the latest industrial equipment, ten workstations plus a teacher demonstration area to allow food preparation and cookery courses to be delivered to pupils in Year 10 under the DLP’s School Link programme. As most schools have minimal cooking facilities, our training facility lends itself to practical courses very well. There really is no better way to celebrate the official launch of these first-rate facilities then with a top Michelin star chef and we are pleased to have Adam on board.’

Year 10 students will learn basic baking, pastry and cooking skills as part of the NVQ Level 1 Food Preparation and Cooking course at Daventry. Pupils from Guilsborough School and Danetre are already involved in the fully integrated school programme.

Mike Coppock, Programme Manager of Catering said, ‘Vocational courses offer a different way of learning and an alternative to the standard academic curriculum. Year 10 students can opt for the NVQ instead of a GCSE in Food Technology, incorporating the course into their other GCSE options. We work very closely with the schools to adapt a programme of delivery with minimal disruption to the pupil’s other studies.’