James Martin also to host British Curry Awards Culinary Chef of the Year contest

A CELEBRITY chef and fellow judges at a cooking contest have apparently been “blown away” by a meatball dish created by a 13-year-old Harpenden secondary school pupil.

Charlie Taylor, a Year 8 student at St George’s School, has been shortlisted to compete in a regional cook-off against fellow finalists in Cambridge on Wednesday, November 16.

James Martin, who has appeared on the likes of BBC1’s Saturday Kitchen, was impressed with the teenager’s beef meatballs with gravy and homemade pasta in the Red Tractor beef and lamb Mmmake [sic] it with Mince Challenge.

He and other judges considered hundreds of entries across the country, recently shortlisting those taking part in six regional heats.

The challenge is in its sixth year and aimed at 11-16 year olds who are passionate about cooking.

James said: “The shortlisted entries are hugely impressive and I have no doubt that they will have bright cooking futures.”

• TV chef James Martin will also host the British Curry Awards Culinary Chef of the Year contest. Chad Rahman, executive chef at Chez Mumtaj Restaurant, London Road, St Albans, is one of five finalists competing for the prestigious title next Monday, November 21. Chad’s cooking features Indo-French and Panasian influences.