CDU student proves to be a real master chef

For most 18-year-olds, competing in a national cooking competition would be an intimidating experience, but not for Charles Darwin University (CDU) student Amelia Love who has tasted success on the big stage.

Ms Love, 18, who is a first-year apprentice at the Berry Springs Tavern and a Certificate III in Commercial cookery student at CDU, recently competed as the Northern Territory representative for the Nestle Gold Chefs Hat National Finalist.

The competition involves 11 regional finalists aged from 16 to 25 years from across Australia and New Zealand cooking three dishes in three hours and being judged on a range of aspects including the composition of the meal, the harmonisation of colours and menu descriptions. 

During the competition, Ms Love, who only began professionally cooking this year received three bronze medals. 

Of the result Ms Love said it was unexpected, but it was nice to see her dedication pay off. 

“I went into the competition not expecting to win any medals so to achieve what I did made me really happy, especially after spending many weekends cooking and preparing for the competition,” Ms Love said. 

“My lecturers at CDU encouraged me to sign up for the competition and they worked with me on my menu and helped to perfect my cooking, I really thank them for their support.”

Ms Love’s competition dishes included a trio of vegetarian dishes for entrée, a sous vide and stuffed roast beef for main and a coconut and chilli brownie for dessert.

On Saturday, CDU will be holding it’s annual Palmerston Campus Open Day, an opportunity where people from the community can come and see what courses CDU offers and just like Ms Love, find their passion. 

The Campus is home to several courses across culinary arts, tourism and hospitality, hair and beauty, retail, sport, recreation and fitness, information technology, English language courses, children's services and education support.

Visitors will have the chance to explore facilities, including CDU’s own training restaurant, Karawa, purpose-built tourism facilities, beauty, hairdressing and barbering salon.

There will also be free workshops and activities showcasing how to create the perfect spring roll, de-bone a chicken and create delicious non-alcoholic cocktails. 

CDU Vice-Chancellor Professor Scott Bowman said the Palmerston Campus Open Day is a unique event in the CDU calendar.

“I love coming out to our Palmerston Campus and seeing all the wonderful courses we offer, seeing our commercial kitchen busy with students learning their craft and our hair and beauty salons busy with customers,” Professor Bowman said. 

“Our trainers have several years of industry experience, so rest assured if you choose to study at CDU, you will be trained by the best and have wonderful opportunities to find employment.” 

“I look forward to an informative Open Day that is jam packed with activities, delicious food, and fun,” he said. 

Palmerston Open Day will be held from 9am to 1pm at the Palmerston campus at 80 University Avenue, Durack on Saturday September 14. More information on activities available here.