Caitlyn Gill knows cooking. The Huntsville High School (HHS) grade 12 student won a silver medal at the Skills Canada National Competition (June 5-8) in Moncton, NB.
And she did it with a level of calm and humility that you wouldn’t guess was possible if you’ve watched some of the popular cooking competitions on television.
“She is a very efficient worker in the kitchen,” says teacher Lea Anne Zielonko. “If you watch her cook, she looks calm.”
“I’m nervous but I don’t show it, and it looks slow. It scares people,” says Gill. “They don’t think I’m going to finish in time. And then I have half an hour left with nothing to do so I start cleaning again.”
Keeping a clean work station is one of the things the young chefs at the competition are graded on. Presentation, taste and required menu components make up half of the score, with sanitation, organization, product utilization, preparation and technical skill making up the rest.
Caitlyn Gill is the picture of calm at the Skills Canada National Competition in Moncton, NB. (Photos: SCNC)
She was up against 11 other secondary students from across the country, all preparing the same menu over two days of competition: Mussels Provenciale, fish chowder, roast pork tenderloin with dauphenoise potoatoes, sautéed spinach, and carrots with a black peppercorn sauce, and carrot cake with two garnishes for dessert.
Recipes are sent ahead of time so that the chefs can practice – Gill spent about 15 hours per week in the kitchen for three months, planning, tweaking the recipes, and practicing plating, doing it over and over again.
“Even though they send the recipes, it’s a good idea not to just do exactly what the recipe says, to make it your own,” says Zielonko.
Caitlyn Gill’s creations are as beautiful as they are delicious. (Photo: Lea Anne Zielonko)
And in the end her hard work paid off as she was bested by just one other – Keiven Barde from Quebec. “Only one could beat me, but I was happy to lose to him,” says Gill. “He was good and he was nice after. He didn’t rub it in or anything.”
Caitlyn thanked her parents, her teacher and her school for being so supportive. (From left) Shane Gill, Caitlyn Gill, Lea Anne Zielonko, and Sandra Gill in Moncton.
Her commitment to getting so far wasn’t just her own – something Gill recognizes. “I want to thank this lady (Zielonko) and my parents and the school for being so supportive.” As for the future, Caitlyn has her sights set on being a veterinary technician. “That’s plan A. Cooking’s the back up plan. Even though I’ve kind of excelled in the past year I still want to be a vet tech first.”
It’s a choice that shocks the professional chefs at competitions, says Zielonko. “They say, ‘you’re so good! What are you doing?’ She is very naturally talented but that’s okay – you have to do what you love.”
The Skills Canada National Competition is the only national, multi-trade and technology competition for students and apprentices in the country. After first winning qualifying and provincial events, more than 500 young people go to SCNC from all regions of Canada participate in more than 40 skilled trade and technology competitions.
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I love your grand-daughter. I’m currently sitting beside her right now. She says she loves you. Don’t worry she chose the right path now as she’s in culinary management.
We are very proud GRANDPARENTS to our wonderful achieving Grandaughter! Caitlyn Gill,
She has made up her mind to be a Vet Tech which is her decision even though it is surprising to a lot of people who can’t believe that she won’t be pursuing Culinary. We know in our hearts that what ever she does she will excel at it. We love this Girl so much & wish her all the best in her
New challenges.
Doug & Carol Rutter, Bobcaygeon, Ontario
[email protected]