Scottish school cook Lynne Howe has been named the Local Authority Caterers Association’s (LACA) chef of the year 2005.
Howe, who has worked at Tannadice primary school in Forfar for two and a half years, beat seven other finalists to the award, which was presented on 26 April at Henley College in Coventry.
The eight contestants, who had qualified through regional heats, had 90 minutes to prepare a main course and dessert suitable for an 11-year-old.
The dinner lady’s winning combination was beef wrapped in tortilla served with rice and crunchy salad and a chocolate drizzled brandy basket filled with raspberry and rhubarb dessert.
The judging panel was headed by celebrity chef James Martin.
LACA chairman Neil Porter said: “School chefs have always been the backbone of the country’s meal service. Even Jamie Oliver appreciated that fact although his TV series did not give them a fair portrayal.”