insideKENT Magazine Issue 34 - January 2015 | Page 31

FOOD+DRINK KENT SCHOOLGIRL CROWNED WINNER OF JUNIOR MASTERCHEF 2014 After a gripping two weeks, the CBBC crowned Kent College Pembury schoolgirl, Phoebe Riley, its Junior MasterChef 2014 winner. The search for this year’s Junior MasterChef champion culminated in an exciting final show, during which 12-year-old Phoebe was awarded her trophy by the judges: top chef, John Torode, and food blogger and TV cook, Donal Skehan. An ecstatic Phoebe said: “Awesome! This is one of the happiest days of my life; I’m really excited, and proud. I’m really happy!” John Torode said: “Every so often you find a cook who’s got the magic in their fingers – and Phoebe’s got it. Phoebe walked in this kitchen and impressed us straight away. She works hard and is always happy, and her food shows it. That girl is going to go a long way.” Phoebe battled her way from 24 contestants through to the final four, and alongside finalists Amelie (10), Barney (10), and Mya (9), had to demonstrate her passion, skill and determination in a number of exciting challenges. These included cooking a sumptuous two-course lunch for the penguin keepers at London Zoo, using basic outside kitchens and barbeques; sports day in MasterChef HQ, cooking in relay teams for special surprise guest judge, Beth Tweddle; and the infamous Critic’s Table. The final task was to prepare a delicious three-course menu in just two hours. Phoebe’s winning menu consisted of courgette soup, served with courgette flower fritters; a main of Brasioli – braising steak stuffed with butter, garlic and pancetta, cooked in tomato sauce and served with tagliatelle; and a coffee and chocolate mousse, topped with cream and hazelnut biscotti. On her MasterChef journey, Phoebe said: “The most useful thing I learnt was not to over complicate things, to like what you are making, and most of all, put a lot of love and passion into it." Junior MasterChef Champion 2014, Phoebe, with Judges KENT RESIDENT LAUNCHES NEW ONLINE CRAFT BEER CLUB First time entrepreneur, Kent resident, and lifelong beer obsessive, James Adams, has launched a new online craft beer club. The Other Brew has been set up to give people the opportunity to discover the best UK-produced craft beer. available on the supermarket shelves. The Other Brew hunts down the very best craft beer from young, artisanal microbreweries that pride themselves on quality, taste, and using the very best ingredients. It has been said that the enjoyment of beer is enhanced by the knowledge of where it came from, who brewed it, and how it was brewed – a mantra that The Other Brew wholeheartedly acknowledges. Each beer – you will receive six a month – comes with a full profile and a story behind it, which can be located on the website. Launched in mid-November 2014, backed by funding from Virgin Start Up, The Other Brew pledges to become not only a supplier of the very best beer, but a community whereby beer drinkers can discuss their likes and dislikes with other beer aficionados, and even the brewers themselves. By delivering a box of craft beer to your door on a monthly basis, its aim is to provide you with the means to discover brands that are not “We aim to give