UMHLALI PUPIL FINALIST IN HIRSCH AND DEFY JUNIOR SUPER CHEF IN SOUTH AFRICA

Julie Blevin, a Grade 6 pupil at Umhlali Prep. Was the winner of the Ballito leg of the popular Hirsch and Defy Junior Super Chef competition that was held in the Hirsch Ballito Showroom on May 12. Julie won a Defy hamper and hand blender, and will go on to compete in the Regional Finals of the competition that is being held at the East Coast Radio House and Garden Show on July 3. Ten contestants, ranging in age from 8 to 13, battled it out in the competition. They had to show off their cooking skills, using a mystery bag of products and cooking on a Snappy Chef induction plate and Defy Microwave Air oven to impress judges: award winning chef and owner of Harvey’s Restaurant, Andrew Draper,, Kerry Eb well known for her baking skills and owner of Lemon Canary, Kevyn Bys Owner of Cake man Durban and Chef of the Year , and David Hoehler food critic from the North Coast Courier. The competition was co-ordinated by the Hirsch team and Fine Young Cooks owner, Lewaine Von Alleman – who was extremely proud of Julie as she is one of her past pupils. Speaking on behalf of the judges, Andrew Draper said that he was extremely impressed by the high standard of preparation and cooking “Their adaptability was incredible. These kids are 100 steps ahead of us and a lot more sophisticated in their taste and cooking skills than we were at the same age. We were especially impressed with the sauces – containing just the right amount of spices and flavouring. The contestants have really done themselves proud!” Draper exclaimed. Kim Blevin, Julie’s mother thanked Hirsch’s for “giving our children this wonderful opportunity to grow in confidence. Thank you too for all the effort that went into making this competition possible; there was a lot of preparation involved and well done, it worked like clockwork!” Second place went to 13 year old Kaitlyn Damant from Ashton school and coming third was Benjamin Pilz - also an Umhlali pupil.