By TANIA PHILLIPS
THE mayor cooked me lunch – not every day you can say that but that’s just what happened Friday at the Kingscliff TAFE Ready, Steady, Cook Challenge.
Four teams, each including a chef and a volunteer from the business sector, vyed for cooking glory at the event – part of the third annual Tweed Foodie Fest.
As time ticked by, the pressure was mounting, yet mayor Barry Longland, Murwillumbah Chamber president Toni Zuschke, Kingscliff Chamber secretary Dennis Eyre and Barking Toad Advertising owner Michael Zuschke, seemed calm as they competed in the event which showcased the newly refurbished TAFE.
Behind the scene there was your usually friendly rivalry, slight tickle of nerves and banter from the opposition. However chefs, Teri Jorgensen from Conrad Jupiter’s, and Lily Newton from Summergrove Estate didn’t deviate from the job at hand. There was a lot at stake, set against their TAFE teachers and mentors, chefs Garry Smith and Adam Thornton, to take the title of winner.
“What an amazing experience to be partnered with such great chefs to learn new skills and share a lot of laughs,” Murwillumbah Chamber president Toni said.
Judged by an astute panel of local business owners, chefs and media executives, the contestants were assessed on presentation and taste of a main course and dessert.
The menu included crispy whiting fillets and Tweed Head prawns, almond tarator, gazpacho jelly and herb and sprout salad, followed by a dessert of white chocolate pannacotta, mixed nut crumble and summer fruits.
“Teri and Lily have such bright futures ahead of them,” Cr Longland said.
“It was a wonderful experience to be a part of this event and I hope to recreate the risotto and panacotta for my daughter this weekend.”
Votes were tight so tight that in the end it was impossible to split two of the teams – chef Teri Jorgensen (partnered with commis chef Barry Longland) and chef Lily Newton (partnered with commis chef Dennis Eyre).
