Ffion wows judges at Culinary Olympics

A young pastry chef was the talk of the judges on the first day of the Culinary Olympics in Germany on Saturday after helping the Welsh team to a silver medal in the contest for junior teams.

Ffion Lewis, the pastry chef at the Nag’s Head, Garthmyl, attracted special praise from the jury as Wales came agonisingly close to winning a gold medal in Erfurt on Saturday.

Her dessert, Granny Smith apple frangipane and compote, spiced vanilla syrup, poached Golden Delicious apple, sorbet and mousse and apple and blackberry coulis, was said to be the star of the show as the judges, who were casting a critical eye on waste, were impressed that she managed to use every bit of apple.

“Ffion’s dessert was the talk of the jury on the first day of the competition,” said Arwyn Watkins. Culinary Association of Wales president. “She was complimented by the judges who said the dessert was literally the star of the show

“I was disappointed that the junior team didn’t win a gold medal because the feedback from the jury was all positive. However, to achieve a silver medal at the Culinary Olympics is a fantastic achievement by the team when you consider that no gold medals were awarded in the hot kitchen on the opening day.

The Culinary Olympics is an important showcase not only for talented chefs but also for Welsh food and drink products. An accompanying Food and Drink Wales Showcase is being held in the Worldchefs Village to highlight the quality and innovation of Welsh products. A range of chilled and ambient products will be displayed and a presenter will speak to chefs about their provenance.