A talented student chef from Loughborough College has started working in a professional kitchen after wowing a restaurant owner during a competition.
Sam Watkins, 18, of Loughborough, has been hired by Anstey-based Sapori Restaurant which specialises in Italian food.
She landed the new part-time role after competing in the Young Risotto Chef of the Year Midlands Competition, which she won, catching the eye of judge Andrea Scarpati, owner and head chef of Sapori. He offered her an internship, known as a stage, which she passed with flying colours before getting a formal job offer.
Sam said: “I really am enjoying my time at Sapori, it’s such a great opportunity for me. I’m enjoying learning about new cuisine and the food is stunning! The techniques Andrea is showing me are out of this world. I haven’t looked back since joining.”
Andrea said: “Sam is such a bright talent - so focused and enthusiastic about this profession. You only have to tell her once how to do something and BOOM – done. Nowadays, it’s very rare to find young chefs like her.”
Darren Creed, Curriculum Manager and head chef at Loughborough College, said: “I’m delighted for Sam. She’s an outstanding student whose determination and commitment to her craft and studies has really paid off. She’s an inspiration to others and shows that talent plus dedication and hard work equals success.”
Sam’s skills in the kitchen have earned her a plateful of recognition in recent months. First, she won a bronze medal in the culinary arts section of the UK World Skills Competition, then she wowed judges to win the Midlands regional heats of the Riso Gallo Young Risotto Chef of the Year 2022. She takes part in the national final in April.