The regional final, which took place at Brakes Kitchen in Reading, involved seven other chefs competing for a place in the competition’s national final. Aron was also named as the East of England regional final winner in the 2024 version of the competition. Erin Ward from Holmer Green School (Impact Food Group) was named as the runner-up.
The winner of each of the ten regional finals will receive £100 and advance to the national final, which is being held at the LACA Main Event on Tuesday 8th and Wednesday 9th July at the Birmingham Hilton Metropole.
Aron’s main course was breaded chicken strips served with Katsu curry sauce, coconut rice and acar - pickled vegetables. For dessert he created Orange sponge topped with chocolate mousse, orange jelly, cocoa tuile and blood orange reduction.
The judges at the East of England regional final were Louise Wagstaff, chair of judges from Premier Foods/Bisto; Sharon Armstrong, LACA judge; Zoe Gill, development chef at Brakes guest judge and Carol Harwood, SCOTY working group lead.
The LACA School Chef of the Year competition, which is sponsored by Bisto from Premier Foods, asks chefs to prepare, cook and present four portions of a main course and dessert with a total food cost of £1.70 per head in 90 minutes that meet the School Food Standards and Eat Well Guide.
School meal providers can register for free entry to the School Food Show to watch the national finalists in action.