UP-AND-COMING chefs have cooked up a storm in Tywyn.

Ysgol Uwchradd Tywyn has held its latest Rotary Club Young Chef of the Year and despite there being six contestants in the competition, it was a definite ‘Battle of the Chefs’ between Wil Pugh, who stole the show in last year’s competition, and Els Jones, who came a close second.

Els had also been crowned winner of the Junior version of the competition back in 2015. The other ‘chefs’, Cain Pugh, Archie Davies, Nathan Jones and Toby Tosh, also cooked competitively, resulting in a surprise winner.

The six competitors were tasked with producing a two course meal from a country of their choice for under £10.

Both Els and Toby chose to stay and eat in Wales, Els cooking Welsh black fillet steak followed by Merlyn chocolate torte, and Toby’s very traditional Leek and Potato soup, followed by Welsh cakes.

Archie also stayed local, with his baked chicken drumsticks and pan-fried sea hake. Nathan went slightly further afield to Italy for his chicken pizza and chocolate dipped cannoli recipes. Will however travelled to the Orient for his pork spring rolls and Fuji chicken.

Cain was inspired by India, making chicken makhani and garjela (traditional Indian carrot cake).

Guest judge was Tommy Rowlands, MIH (member of the institute of hospitality), a former pupil at the school, just over 50 years ago. He began his career in catering aged 14, washing up at the Corbett Hotel.

He went on to study catering at Salford, then was chef and manager at Tynycornel for eight years.

He has worked in other local establishments – George III at Penmaenpool, Penhelig Arms and Trefeddian. He is now known as the proprietor of Caffi’r Ceunant where he has been for past 10 years.

Mr Rowlands described the menus as “interesting and educational” for him with many new ideas.

He shared his knowledge and tips with the budding chefs, and gave each one advice on how to improve.

Cain Pugh was crowned champion with Mr Rowlands effusive about his “very interesting menu with new flavours” which not only looked fabulous with vibrant colours, but was also extremely tasty.

Wil Pugh came second with Els Jones third.

Nancy Clarke, president of the Rotary Club of Tywyn and Tywyn Council chair, thanked Mr Rowlands for all his hard work and for his very interesting culinary advice.

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