Pascal is Hillcrest’s junior superchef

HIRSCH’S Hillcrest recently held its cook-off for budding junior superchefs of KZN for the Hirsch’s and Defy Junior Superchef annual cooking competition.

Beating 10 contestants and landing a spot in the KZN regional finals was Pascal Roosendaal, a pupil from Cawood Academy. He cooked crumbed chicken with a green pesto and basil sauce and roast potatoes. Pascal will pitch his cooking skills against finalists from Ballito, Springfield Park and Umhlanga at the regional grand finale, which will take place at the East Coast Radio House and Garden Show on 3 July.

The winner in the regional competition will receive a trophy and their own Defy microwave air fryer oven, as well as the bragging rights to call themselves the Hirsch’s and Defy Junior Superchef of the Year.

Hirsch’s Hillcrest’s public relations and marketing officer, Jason Morris, said: “Competitors ranging in age from eight to 13 years battled it out at the Hirsch’s Hillcrest showroom, with each child being placed at a work station with an induction hob, a microwave air fryer oven and a food blender. They were given a mystery box of ingredients and an hour to prepare and complete their dish.”

Judging the event was Ndumiso Ndima, a waiter from Hillcrest Mugg & Bean, who has been in the food industry for more than five years, CEO of Hirsch’s, Allan Hirsch, who has written and compiled his own cookbook, and Gillian Watkins, who has her own catering company and has more than 20 years’ experience in the field. They were joined by Tot’s & Pots Hillcrest educator, Danielle Groenink.

Commenting on the standard of cooking, Gillian said: “I am completely blown away by the creativity and confidence of these amazing young chefs.”

Parents were just as amazed as the judges, and all are looking forward to the finals at the ECR show on 3 July.