Caelan Taylor takes fourth place in the National Food Skills Competition

Caelan Taylor during the competition
Photos courtesy of Chef Ian Robertson

Toni Lucas

Grade 11 Matthew Halton High School student Caelan Taylor took fourth place in the National Skills Competition for his age range in Foods. The competition was held at the International Center in Toronto June 3 - 7.  "It was a great experience, really," said Taylor. "There were judges from big institutions from all across Canada, so it was good to get their feedback. Just to be among the best in Canada, and vying to be the best, it was a great experience. A big thank you going out to the community, the businesses and individuals. Without your support, it wouldn't have been possible. Thank you so much. A big thank you to Mrs. Taylor and Chef Robertson for their support and encouragement over the years."  Mrs. Yoda Taylor and Chef Ian Robertson have taught food studies at Halton during Caelan Taylor's academic career.

At the closing ceremonies they only announced the top three in the category so there was a brief time span when Caelan did not know where he stacked up in the competition. "When I found out I came in fourth it was relieving."

CN Tower
Chef Robertson photo 

"Each province and territory had a representative, so we had thirteen competing," explained Taylor. All the competitors prepared the same dishes and the menu was the same from regional to nationals. Some of the judging criteria included sanitation, presentation, taste, and organization. Taylor said they were also judged on their chicken stock and knife cuts. "If they say do a small dice, you have to present the small dice, then they go in and measure it and make sure it is the proper size." The cuts could be docked points if they were not precise. "At that level, it's pretty close, it is about a millimetre," said Taylor. The competitors were docked for each minute a dish was late, and if it was not presented within five minutes of the time that they were deadlined for, the dish was not accepted. "Mine were all on time, thankfully."

Caelan at Ripley's Aquarium
Chef Robertson photo

As part of Team Alberta Taylor got to visit the CN Tower, Ripley’s Aquarium, and attend a number of functions including the opening and closing ceremonies. "The last night we got to go to a Blue Jay's game, and they won too, so that's a bonus."

Caelan Taylor and Ian Robertson in the CN Tower
Caelan Taylor photo

"It was my goal to get to the national competition, but I don't think I am going to do it next year," said Taylor. He took close to a week off school at each the provincial and nation level of the competition and does not want to make that time sacrifice next year. "Seeing as it's grade 12 next year, it might be too much. When I get to post secondary SAIT, I might do the post secondary competition."

Chaperone Ian Robertson enjoyed the trip
Caelan Taylor photo

Teacher and chaperone Chef Ian Robertson was delighted that they raised the money for the trip on such short notice. "We have to thank our community, for sure," $1,900 was collected for the trip. "It was good, because we had incidentals on top of our original estimate." He was impressed at the talent that was exhibited through the competition and very happy with Taylor's performance. "To me, it's great to get kids to that national level, because they see and interact with kids from everywhere in Canada. It was eye opening for them to realize that they are part a bigger nation." Robertson says that he is ready to help coach the next student that wants to stretch their culinary skills. as for Taylor he is definitely passing his Food Studies course.  Robertson said about Taylor, "He was extremely happy that he did what he wanted to do."

Dessert:  Apple Tarte Tatin
Caelan Taylor photo

The menu Taylor prepared included:

• Mulligatawny soup
• Chicken supreme stuffed with herb-forced meat
• Spanish Rice Pilaf
• Maple glazed carrots
• Chicken velouté
• Steamed broccoli
• Apple Tarte Tatin with salted caramel sauce and chantilly cream with a fresh fruit garnish

Related story:  Future chef Caelan Taylor hopes for support to make it to National competition (Updated)