Perth High set to serve-up a five-star treat

Feb 18 2011 by Greg Christison, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

A GROUP of Perth teenagers preparing to serve up a five-star feast next month are simmering with excitement ahead of the glamorous event.

The 35 Perth High students, supported by local chefs George Keighley and Graeme Pallister, will cater for 70 diners at the school’s annual gala dinner, which will be held in the grand setting of Scone Palace on March 17.

In addition to the stunning six-course menu, the evening will also be seasoned with a performance from the school’s string quartet.

Following six months of relentless training from Mr Keighley, the pupils from the two higher hospitality classes have admitted they were looking forward to the event despite last-minute nerves.

Cameron Kidd (16), who is responsible for preparing the carrot and star-anise soup, said yesterday: “I’m really excited about the event but I’m pretty nervous too.

“It’s the thought of making soup for 70 people with everyone’s mum and dad eating it.

“We have learned a lot about cooking skills and how to properly present the food as well. I find it really interesting, it is much better in comparison to our usual lessons.”

Beginning with a salmon and haddock terrine, followed by a soup course, guests will enjoy blackcurrant sorbet before tucking into a delicious pithivier of beef served with a selection of seasonal vegetables.

Chocolate mousse with gingerbread ice cream will be dished-up for dessert followed by coffee and petit fours.

As the team’s only 18-year-old, Emma Smith will be responsible for keeping the diners’ wine glasses topped-up throughout the evening.

She said: “It gives us the chance to show off our skills because hospitality is not just cooking, it is about the way you present it.

“We have even chosen how we want to fold the napkins. You don’t realise how much thought goes into it all until you do it yourself.

“There are teachers, councillors and some very important people coming along – I hope I don’t spill anything down them!”

Mr Keighley, who is a former chef lecturer at Perth College, has been involved in the annual gala dinner since it began in 2008 at Jamesfield Organic Centre near Abernethy.

“There is an improvement in their skill level, they’re team-working and they have to be responsible. It is a very positive thing.

“They [the students] are doing very well, they are well prepared and really up for it.”

Labelling last year’s event “a fantastically enjoyable evening”, teacher Sarah Bird added: “The kids are inspired by George.

“They look up to him because he is a professional chef and he has a great sense of humour.”

With funds limited and no profit being made from the event, Ms Bird thanked Scone Palace owner Lady Stormont for allowing the school to use the venue at a significantly reduced price.

She also appealed to local businesses to get in touch if they could provide ingredients in return for event advertising.

For more information or to purchase tickets priced £40 each, contact the school on 01738 472691.