Catering student’s dish featured in Cafe Football menu after winning cook-off

A 19-year-old catering student at Newham College is celebrating after winning a ‘cook-off’ competition to get her dish added to the menu of ex-footballers, Ryan Giggs and Gary Neville’s cafe chain.

Wilhemina Gunu, who was also the ‘Student of the Year’ in 2016 won the judges around with her ‘Golden Balls’ dish of Thai-style fish cakes with coleslaw and a lime and chilli mayonnaise.

She beat fellow regional finalists, Lucy Ellis and Diakalaye Diakhite and will now be added to the menu of Café Football in Stratford.

The Newham College cookery students were judged on the taste, presentation and cost of their dishes as well as how efficiently they worked in the kitchen.

Head Chef from the Westfield Stratford City cafe, Giovann Attard, said:

“The dishes the students created would make excellent additions to the menu, but Wilhemina was the winner as the flavours she brought together were simply outstanding.”

“All the finalists should be extremely proud of their efforts,” he added.

The College’s hospitality and catering course leader Gary Johnson, said:

“The students have been inspired and excited by the prospect of seeing a dish that they have created appear on a menu.

“This competition has been a huge transition for the students. The cafe staff have really enthused our chefs.”

The three finalists are invited to gather at an awards evening hosted by Café Football, where they will be presented with certificates for their efforts and achievements.

Wilhemina’s recipe will be showcased on the new menu launched at the end of April.