The finalists had to prepare two restaurant-quality dishes from a selection of fresh ingredients in just two hours to impress the judging panel chaired by David Mulcahy, Craft Guild of Chefs vice president and craft and food development director at Sodexo UK & Ireland, as well as guest celebrity chef James Martin.
Carmichael, a pupil at Bellerive FCJ Catholic College in Liverpool, impressed the panel of leading industry chefs, which included National Chef of the Year Hayden Groves, with her enthusiasm, skill and the menu choice of lamb shoulder, pan fried lamb, pulled lamb with pistachio and mint crumb, butternut squash, new potatoes, spinach and shallot purée, followed by chocolate and raspberry plate, warm chocolate and raspberry fondant.
Springboard chief executive Anne Pierce said that all the finalists had all been part of a great FutureChef. “It really is amazing to see the quality of work by young chefs improve year on year, the talent we see as a result of the Springboard FutureChef initiative is remarkable and Anna Carmichael is a true winner.
“To bring together Springboard’s network of experienced chefs, FutureChef alumni and our hospitality partners in this way ensures that we as an industry, continue to inspire young talent to learn about food and cooking as well as gaining valuable experience about career opportunities in this great industry.’’
James Martin added: “You can see that these young people really listened to their mentors, but they still had to deliver under pressure and that’s impressive. Overall the competitors have delivered a really high standard and presented us with some standout dishes.”
Carmichael won a host of prizes, which included a Sodexo-sponsored behind the scene visit to Royal Ascot where she will work with top chefs while her parents enjoy a tour of Eton College. Both winner and guests will return to Ascot to enjoy full hospitality. A night in a hotel the evening before will also be included.
In the contest, second place went to Meganne Shearer, third place to Jordon Powel, and fourth place to Rick Owens.
The finalists included:
Anna Carmichael, North West
Meganne Shearer, North Scotland
Jordon Powel, South East
Rick Owens, London
Henry Mathews, East of England
Isobel Coombs, East Midlands
Carl Ridsdale, West Midlands
Bronwen Jenkins, Wales
Katie England, South West
Connor Blades, North East
Rebecca Ramsay, Central and South Scotland
Christine Graham, Northern Ireland