Shannon shines as future cook star
09/03/2012 10:16:53
One budding young chef had double cause to celebrate at school recently.
Not only did hardworking Shannon Gallacher, 14, win first place in the recent all-Ayrshire Cook Off at the Cook School Scotland, in Kilmarnock – but she has now been offered a unique work placement at luxury four star Enterkine Country House Hotel.
Shannon, from Hurlford, was one of a group of Loudoun Academy pupils who enjoyed a training day at Enterkine, in preparation for a banquet event planned to take place at the hotel. Enterkine is linked with the school as part of Loudoun’s business enterprise programme.
The quiet 14-year-old’s culinary skill made her stand out – so much so that sales manager Fiona Menmuir was keen to offer Shannon whatever help she could to further her career.
Said Fiona: “Shannon was mentored by our head chef Paul Moffat. Initially three pupils came to Enterkine prior to the Cook School competition and one – Shannon – was chosen to go through to the final”.
The youngsters prepared meals in front of the chef, who decided Shannon shone as a potential winner.
On a follow-up visit, he gave her tips on preparation and presentation, to make the food more visually appealing on the plate. Shannon practised lots at home and decided chicken was her best chance – and indeed it proved to be a winner when she scooped first prize in the cook competition.
Fiona said: “Shannon is very young, but absolutely passionate about her work. We are keen to offer her an internship in the future.
“She is a dedicated, focused and very composed girl, who just got her head down and worked hard. This is what she really wants to do as a career – and she’s definitely headed for success”.
Shannon, who turns 15 at the end of March, said: “It was great working in the kitchen at Enterkine as it lets you see what you need to do when you get to that level. The chef, Paul, helped me work on my presentation and taught me how important it is that the food really looks good enough to eat”.
Jackie Dykes, Principal Teacher of Home Economics at Loudoun Academy, said: “Shannon works very hard in class and she is a credit to her family and the whole school.”
For more information or tickets for Loudoun Academy’s champagne reception and banquet in Enterkine Country House Hotel on Wednesday 14 March, call 01563 820061.
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For further information, contact Elaine Scott on 01563 576013 or email elaine.scott@east-ayrshire.gov.uk