Hospitality student reaches final of Young Risotto Chef of the Year

Moray College UHI Culinary Skills Level 5 student Nicole Laing will be rustling up a Scottish-themed risotto in the hope to win Young Risotto Chef of the Year.

Nicole has been chosen as one of 9 finalists due to her unique take on a classic risotto which includes haggis, black pudding and parsnip.

She will take part in a cook-off on January 21, which will take place in the training kitchens of the City of Westminster College in central London.

The competition is open to individuals aged between 18 and 25 and will be judged by a panel of 5 chefs:

• Danilo Cortellini, former Professional MasterChef Finalist
• Davide Degiovanni, Head Chef at Gordon Ramsay’s Union Street Café
• Paul Gayler MBE, former Executive Chef at The Lanesborough and author
• Oscar Holgado, Head Chef at Angela Hartnett’s Murano Restaurant
• Adriano Cavagnini, Executive Chef at the Bulgari Hotel in London

The young chefs will be judged on how they work in the kitchen as well as the taste of their finished risotto.

Nicole said: “My lecturer encouraged me to apply so I started researching recipes as I wanted to incorporate a Scottish delicacy into the traditional Italian dish.  I've only been at college since September but in that time I've learned so much including being confident in my cooking.  I am looking forward to meeting all the other contestants and to see all the variations of risotto.  I have gained experience working in a kitchen from my college course as well as knowledge from my lecturers, so having them as mentors helps push me to my best potential.” 

The winner of the competition will receive an all-expenses paid three-day work experience at Angela Hartnett’s Michelin-starred restaurant in Mayfair and their risotto will be featured in Gordon Ramsay’s restaurant for one week. 

The runner-up will be given a three-day cooking experience by Danilo Cortellini at the Italian Embassy in London.

Moray College UHI Hospitality Lecturer, Martyn Woodward said: “We are delighted that Nicole has been chosen as a finalist to compete in London against young chefs from across Britain.  She will be able to use her skills learnt through her course and creativity to prepare her Scottish twist risotto for the judges.”

The Hospitality and Tourism Academy at Moray College UHI offers students a fantastic learning experience across a range of levels.  Students build confidence by working with experienced professionals at the onsite Beechtree Restaurant.