.@GordonRamsay Dream a Step Closer for Jordan after #CRStudentChef Challenge Triumph

With dreams of following in the footsteps of his culinary idol Gordon Ramsey and one day running his own Michelin-starred restaurant, City of Glasgow College catering student Jordan McKenzie says winning the Country Range Student Chef Challenge has given him further motivation to pursue his dreams.

Jordan, who currently combines his time studying for a HND in professional cookery with being a chef at Eusebi’s Deli in Glasgow, was part of the winning City of Glasgow College team who triumphed at Hotelympia this year in the prestigious competition.

Along with students Erin Sweeney and Lee Christie and under the tutelage of lecturer Robbie Phillips, Jordan and the team wowed the Craft Guild of Chefs judges on the day in front of a live exhibition audience to produce a fantastic three-course, three-cover menu in 90 minutes around the theme of ‘Around the world in three spices’.

Looking back with fondness on the competition and how it has helped him focus his culinary career, Jordan explained that the competition not only helped him develop and master cookery skills but also prepared him for life in a frenetic and fast-paced professional kitchen.

He said:

“I have always loved cooking and dreamed of being a professional chef but I don’t think I fully understood the amount of work that goes in to it. The long nights that came with practising for the Country Range Student Chef Challenge and the pressure involved have certainly opened my eyes to the challenge ahead but it’s one I’m looking forward to and winning the Student Chef Challenge has only given me more desire to succeed.”

“It has also been fantastic to share the success with Erin and Lee too as big part of the Challenge is how you can work together under pressure, while still producing excellent dishes. Teamwork is another skill which the Challenge has helped me develop and one that is essential in the top restaurants.”

About Country Range Student Chef Challenge: Now in its 24^th year, the annual Country Range Student Chef Challenge has become the pinnacle for full-time hospitality college students looking to develop skills and showcase their culinary prowess and creativity.