Channings sets kids five ingredient task in spirit of the Games
A 15 year old Edinburgh student has risen to an Olympic challenge set by Channings Hotel – by having a dish of his own creation listed on the hotel’s menu.
A haddock dish created by James Porteous has featured on Channings’ menu for the last two weeks after the culmination of an Olympic-themed competition for aspiring young chefs in the Edinburgh area.
Entrants were challenged to create a dish for three or four people, which contained no more than five ingredients and on a budget of £5 – the ‘five’ theme was a tribute to the Olympic rings.
Channings’ head chef Karen Higgins chaired the judging panel for the competition, along with Forth One radio presenter Grant Stott.
“As a business we’re keen to support our local community,” said Higgins.
“When we created this competition two years ago it was with the specific aim of encouraging young people to think more creatively about food, ingredients, how they are sourced and how to cook on a budget.”
As well as being named the overall winner Porteous, of Tynecastle High School, won the 15-18 years category. Eleven year old Rachel Grigor was the winner in the 8-11 years category and 12 year old Sinead Millar triumphed in the 12-14 years age group.
Eleven year old Michael Wilson and 14 year old Zoe Duffy were both commended in their respective age groups.
“I love cooking and hope one day to work in a professional kitchen,” said Porteous.
“This competition was fun to enter and I’m delighted to have won. Working in Karen’s kitchen has been a real privilege.”
Image: Forth One presenter Stott, left, and Karen tuck into the winning dish from James Porteous (centre).
