The heat was on at Monmouth Comprehensive School as the Y8 Ready Steady Cook final took place on Wednesday evening before an eager audience of over 200. The Green Team of Mr D J Williams, Katie Ponsford, Catherine Rotchell and Chef Andrew faced off against the Red Team of Mrs V Edwards, Ciaran Jones, Max Gow-Smith and Chef Stuart in a race against the clock to produce a three course Italian theme meal from their surprise food bag. The host for the evening, Franco Tarushio (and wife Ann) flitted between teams, asking questions and pointing out details to the audience. With knives chopping and spoons beating the 45 minutes disappeared in a flash (or was that flash the Red Team dessert being flambéd ?) and it was time for the audience to vote. What a close vote it was ! In the end, the Red Team won by a whisker, or was that a chive ? All the students received a signed copy of 100 Pasta Dishes by Franco and Ann Tarushio and Waitrose Vouchers. Champagne and Asti went to the staff. Grateful thanks go to Franco and Ann Tarushio and to Redcliffe Catering for providing the chefs, props and food. As usual, Waitrose gave their total support for the evening, supplying the vouchers, champagne and wine and, just as importantly, the effervescent Alex Woodward who kept the audience on the boil all evening.
